My wife, not quite a year after we were married, developed what was called 'schizophrenic manic depressive' disorder, what we now call bi-polar. One of the most difficult things for a person with this disorder to do is admit they have it. My wife would try anything lay "experts" would suggest rather than take the meds prescribed by her Psychiatrist. Like you say, the stigma associated with the disease is tremendous. She tried everything under the sun, from crystals, mineral supplements, herbs, just about everything BUT taking her prescribed medication. I could understand that as well, because they had terrible side effects. This was back in the late 70s, so I hope they've come up with some better treatment options since then. Long story short, after 4 years of being admitted to the Psychiatric Hospital, being released, going back to the hospital etc. etc. etc. she developed Leukemia, which took her life a little over a year later. She had a tough life, and no one deserves that. So I feel for your brother and sister Veterans with mental disorders. Having never suffered from what they're going through I can only guess at the horrors and suffering they endure. I certainly remember the anguish and mental stress I went through, and I was only a very close spectator to my wife's tortured mind. That was the most difficult period of my life so far, and I can't even imagine how much more disrupting and life changing it would be to suffer the diseases myself.
My most sincere thanks to you, and your brother and sister Veterans. Hopefully the government will one day take charge of treating our wounded warriors as they so rightly deserve. 
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