Accused Colorado shooter has "mental illness," defense attorney says

[slackmaster]

72. I'm going to take a wild guess that you've never seen real mental illness up close

I'm not being sarcastic when I tell you that I sincerely hope that you never have the experience of seeing a friend or loved one go into a death spiral because of a serious psychiatric disorder. I thought I knew what it was about until I had that experience beginning nearly one year ago. There is no deeper feeling of helplessness than watching someone you care about implode and refuse treatment.

As for people who are severely disturbed not having a "useful purpose in this world," I suggest that you read the story of Dr. Marsha Linehan, who invented the most effective therapy for what is now called Borderline Personality Disorder after spending years in mental hospitals with no hope for a decent life.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/23/health/23lives.html/?pagewanted=all

She never killed anyone, but like most people who have major mental health problems she did a lot of harm to herself.