As mentioned above, I'm not upset. I'm not really sure why you think I am, and that you keep insisting I am when I explained already that I am not. Also, you seem to be making an assumption that I have not dealt with and do not deal with mental illness in my own life. That is a false assumption on your part. You could say that I'm part of that community, as are many of my large family. There is also an implication ("despite not having something seen on my body") that you are assuming my disease is visible. It isn't. Many aren't. I only know one paraplegic at this time, and I have heard her say she is *a* paraplegic, but not that she *is* paraplegic, but most of the time that's not her topic of conversation. Lastly, I'm not putting anyone down. That is your own inference, just like you thinking I'm upset. What I'm asking about is a change in how people refer to diseases that they have in everyday conversation. The question is not literal and it's not spiteful or sneering. It's almost more sociological. When did it start? What drove the change? I am a person who is curious about how language evolves and changes. I don't put people down for having mental illness, learning differences, or disabilities. Nor am I afraid of such things. I don't shy away from people who are different. I myself am different in ways that may not seem palatable to some people. I feel like you might understand that feeling. Regardless, I think anyone can refer to themselves however they like.