Stigma, I think, will linger until science is better able to diagnose and explain psychiatric disorders.

It is a long and winding road my friend. And, as you observed, we've come a long way. Still, sometimes I feel we got stuck in the days when those with psychological disorders were just left to the hope that their medication will do it for them :/

A great advantage of having experienced being 'different'--I think you imply this in your statement--is that we are better able to embrace the differences of others.

This is touching and truthful my dear @agmoore. It reminds me of social psychology studies. I suppose this happens because of a shared social identity, "we are equally misunderstood", "we are similar in the way we are perceived by others". Empathy then unfolds naturally. It is beautiful :) If only we were all able to relate to one another through the identities we have in common rather than those that set us apart.

But, I have faith in humanity 😊

Thank you my dearest for your continuous encouragement and loving support. Your insights mean a lot to me, as they always teach me something.

With much, much love from sunny, windy Portugal.
🎔