[HiTech RedNeck]

In a sense there is a moral component to much successful mental health treatment, but it has to be mixed with the willingness to be longsuffering.

I would posit, most mental illnesses are based on believing lies, and sometimes a completely inverted view of reality can develop if the lies are thick and coordinated enough. Lies as we frequently know them are not just nonsense. They are organized against truth.

Everyone believes some lies, but not all lies make a person outwardly mad. In fact having gone outwardly mad can be an ironic advantage. As an analogy, if your car’s engine makes horrible noises you are more likely to get it fixed before it gets even worse, than if it is about to fail quietly.

I’ve gone mad and met those who went mad. I know what happens.

[mmichaels1970]

In fact having gone outwardly mad can be an ironic advantage.

I agree. One can also be at a disadvantage if it is perceived that he or she "has everything going for them". Someone with wealth, or privilege, or a solid family foundation is not immune to mental illness. But I think sometimes society believes they should be.

[darkangel82]

Not trying to get political here, even though this is a child of a politician. But if you believe enough lies, then eventually you’ll lose it. (Which explains Pelosi I guess)