You can only deal with the stupidity and condescension for so long.
In my case, my illness was related to my experiences of 9/11 (I escaped 1 WTC), and it's manifestation was severe enough to have actual physical effects. It took 19 months to get everything back on track, and when I was ready to go back to work, the first question you;re asked is: Why were you out for 19 months?
You can't lie. not in this day and age where background and security checks are the norm. So, you tell them: I had a severe panic disorder, acocompanied by agoraphobia (fear of crowds or crowded conditions)and severe clinical depression, all of which required a healthy dose of medication to deal with. BTW, I haven't taken a pill in nearly two years, and I'm cured.
Now imagine just how quickly you get the bum's rush out of that interview? All most people have to hear is words like "mental", "depression" or "medication" and they automatically discount the possibility that you might still be a productive (and non-lethal) member of society.
I just got tired of it. Screw them: I make more now than I did after 20 years on Wall Street anyways.
Thank you for sharing your experiences in dealing with your past mental illness. May I wish you success in your future endeavors.