Hello Sweetsoft, you make an excellent point because people don't realise that having an unexpected chat at some ridiculous time in the middle of the night, with a friend who lives many miles away or perhaps close by, don't understand how important this conversation is to them, simply because the wrong wording or disinterest in what the person is actually saying can be pivotal to the outcome.
The stigma associated with mental illness can certainly determine whether or not people seek the help they desperately need, in fear of discrimination, being avoided or labelled as such, but what makes it worse, and I've certainly done it, is to pretend to there's nothing wrong, because as soon as they are alone the feeling becomes so intense and tends to close the door even further.
Mental illness should be taught at an early age in school because even these kids know that mum and dad are fighting or an auntie/grandparent aren't permitted to visit as they disrupt the well being in the family.
Mental illness was taboo years ago, it wasn't to be discussed under any circumstances, now it has become more open, but it's still got a long way to go, that's exactly why young kids need to know why mummy isn't talking to daddy and the possible reasons.
Take care.
Geoff.
