# Should threads started by users with mental health issues have a disclaimer in the OP? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 11, 2016, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890 "2016-04-11T15:33:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/1 "2016-04-11T15:33:04Z")
We have a number of posters that have admitted mental health issues. Some of these issues range from severe depression, Alzheimers, autism, to schizophrenia. Many of us who have interacted with these posters over time, recognize these self started threads as never ending rabbit holes, where rational discussion, thinking, etc. is thrown out the window. But it is sometimes frustrating to see well meaning posters, who are obviously unaware of the OP’s history and condition, struggle and eventually well up in frustration over the lack of understanding of the OP’s condition. And sometimes it can be downright hilarious. But should there be a required disclaimer that a Mod, attaches to the OP of these threads to advise other posters of the minefield they are about to enter? Now the practical application of this would be cumbersome for the Mods, but they don’t get paid for doing nothing. 😉 This is more of a rant, than a true suggestion, but if a mod thinks this should be moved to the ATMB, forum, let it fly! ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/2 "2016-04-11T15:40:07Z")
So, maybe a little cuckoo icon next to the user’s name? ---
**Author:** ![Trion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ccd318/32.png) [@Trion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trion)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/3 "2016-04-11T15:43:15Z")
That’s a crazy idea. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/4 "2016-04-11T15:43:38Z")
Yes, **DrDeth** should tell everyone that he is a mouth breather in every one of his posts so we know what we are dealing with. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/5 "2016-04-11T15:46:14Z")
Labeling posters as to their mental condition, without permission from said posters, and without independent confirmation from a medical professional? What could possibly go wrong? ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/6 "2016-04-11T15:46:37Z")
First of all, autism is a neurological disorder, not a mental health issue. Second, no. We shouldn’t stigmatize posters like that. People will find out on their own, and really, how hard is it to make a few unnecessary posts in the name of discovery. Third, other posters probably have mental health issues too, very serious ones, but it doesn’t preclude their making intelligent posts. What you really want is not a scarlet P for the psychos, but a warning for the ones who make threads that are dead ends. Fourth, there are people who probably do NOT have a diagnosable mental health issues, but do have pet theories, and put up “rabbit hole” posts. Should we warn people about them as well? All things considered, I’m going with “Live and let live.” ---
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/7 "2016-04-11T15:47:54Z")
The little blue coral shells in the shape of pedistools doesn’t change the motorcycle hubcaps. Disclaimer: Mange is nothing to laugh about ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/8 "2016-04-11T16:50:08Z")
> [@watchwolf49](#): > > The little blue coral shells in the shape of pedistools doesn’t change the motorcycle hubcaps. > > Disclaimer: Mange is nothing to laugh about ^This is what I’ve always believed. NOTE: I should have stated at the beginning that I suffer from chronic depression. I also have Type 2 diabetes, aortic stenosis, spinal stenosis, peripheral vascular disease, insomnia, seborrheic dermatitis and mild cat allergies. Sorry that you’ve read so far, without having been alerted to these relevant facts. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/9 "2016-04-11T17:14:41Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > But should there be a required disclaimer that a Mod, attaches to the OP of these threads to advise other posters of the minefield they are about to enter? Since when is it only posters with acknowledged mental health issues who turn threads into minefields? Mental illness does not necessarily imply that a person is stupid or irrational. There is no more need to flag threads with information about the mental health of the OP than there is to flag them with any other background information about the OP. All posters participate at their own risk (subject to enforcement of board rules, of course). (I’m going to omit any efforts at ripping you a new one about exactly how dumb, offensive and draconian such a policy would be, since I bet other posters are going to do a better job of it than I would.) ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/10 "2016-04-11T17:35:53Z")
The ones you are wanting to tag, are probably the only sane ones here. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/11 "2016-04-11T17:39:48Z")
If we had slightly better AI we could probably design a “hobby horse” algorithm which determined whether a poster was posting about their one-trick-pony, then you’d simply show an appropriate icon. People could judge for themselves if the poster and/or topic is fruitful enough to read. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/12 "2016-04-11T17:47:13Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Since when is it only posters with acknowledged mental health issues who turn threads into minefields? > > Mental illness does not necessarily imply that a person is stupid or irrational. There is no more need to flag threads with information about the mental health of the OP than there is to flag them with any other background information about the OP. All posters participate at their own risk (subject to enforcement of board rules, of course). > (I’m going to omit any efforts at ripping you a new one about exactly how dumb, offensive and draconian such a policy would be, since I bet other posters are going to do a better job of it than I would.) Or, to quote Cooter from _The Dukes of Hazzard,_ “I may be crazy, but I ain’t stupid.” ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/13 "2016-04-11T18:24:51Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > But should there be a required disclaimer that a Mod, attaches to the OP of these threads to advise other posters of the minefield they are about to enter? Now the practical application of this would be cumbersome for the Mods, but they don’t get paid for doing nothing. 😉 We have at times considered establishing a “Mixed Nuts” forum to which certain posters could be restricted. But this is at most wishful thinking.🙂 But seriously, we have many productive posters who may have some kind of mental health issue who make intelligent, rational, and worthwhile posts. We have other posters who have no such diagnosed issues who are utterly unproductive to engage with. The only real way to see which posters are worth interacting with is to, well, interact with them. Labels would really be useless, particularly on the basis you propose. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/14 "2016-04-11T18:31:54Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > We have at times considered establishing a “Mixed Nuts” forum to which certain posters could be restricted. But this is at most wishful thinking.🙂 Banned to the looney bin! I could get behind this. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/15 "2016-04-11T19:04:21Z")
I’m a bi-polar with a side helping of the occasional severe depression and I’d be okay with this. Would save me a hella lot of perambulatory typing and others some headbanging, so what’s not to love? Seriously, I keed. I keed. Well, not about being crazy (although I hope I fall into that “is useful sometimes” category), but truly about stigmatizing others. Because those that suffer from stuff like what’s mentioned, certainly don’t need to feel any worse or shamed about it. As for me, perhaps we could develop a macro? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/16 "2016-04-11T20:14:53Z")
I sympathize. I really, really do. I think it’s impractical and a terrible idea, but sweet baby something, some folks need it. Mostly because I don’t have the self-discipline to stay out of threads. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/17 "2016-04-11T20:28:54Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Banned to the looney bin! I could get behind this. Thanks for volunteering. Off you go! ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/18 "2016-04-11T20:52:36Z")
A serious answer is that “mental illness” is a broad continuum that encompasses a wide range of cognitive function including high levels of intelligence and insight. It may also include obsessions and irrationality, but that’s a pretty broad continuum, too. So it’s probably not a useful label. One should probably be wary of labeling everyone who has hot buttons on certain topics as “mentally ill”, especially on an Internet board! OTOH, in my relatively short time here I’ve seen some pretty strange individuals pass this way. Fortunately, most have passed right on, some involuntarily, and thank Og and the mods that be for that. And some still linger. For truly, there’s only so much one can stand hearing about weight loss and belly fat. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/19 "2016-04-11T21:31:45Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > We have a number of posters that have **admitted** mental health issues. > [@wolfpup](#): > > One should probably be wary of labeling everyone who has hot buttons on certain topics as “mentally ill”, especially on an Internet board! Considering my tongue in cheek OP referred to admitted or self-disclosed posters, I don’t think it fits into your category of labeling. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2016, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890/20 "2016-04-11T22:12:18Z")
What I think would be nice is a label telling you who is on a content restriction, so you don’t accidentally try to engage them on that topic. It could be a badge you’d have to click on to see what it says. And it could be optionally hidden to the poster themselves, so they aren’t tempted to talk about it just because they see it there. Though, at the same time, maybe it could be a reminder so they don’t fall off the wagon, either–leave it up to them to decide. And I’d like a new house, too–since we’re dreaming. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-threads-started-by-users-with-mental-health-issues-have-a-disclaimer-in-the-op/751890.md?page=2)