I've known a lot of people with mental illness. People with bipolar run the gamut. For some, mania involves a psychotic break. Others just stay up till 5:00 am

I've known a lot of people with mental illness. People with bipolar run the gamut. For some, mania involves a psychotic break. Others just stay up till 5:00 am writing poetry and hurt no one. I know a few who can't hold a job, and many who are indistinguishable from "normal" people. These people (like you) have biological issues that aren't their fault. Should they be given guns or be working for the CIA? In general, probably not. But they shouldn't be stigmatized and shut out of normal employment, either. These diseases are (for most people) quite treatable. Also, "sane" people do dangerous, stupid, and unethical shit all the time. I know someone who just lost his license for drag racing, drunk, at 110 miles per hour. Although somewhat of a psychopath, I don't think he has a diagnosed mental illness. He is more of a danger to society than the average bipolar person. On dating and mating, I think two mentally ill people being together is bad news. If one is grounded and they have a healthy relationship, and the person with the illness is principled and mature in managing the condition, then it's not so bad.