examinator

Fact: the case was heard and judged by people who say that they know more than we do

Fact: 2.6 million is excessive. Don't you think so?

Fact: I did stick to the point and avoid the areas I clearly know little about - unless, of course, you know better and can elaborate. Can You?

The issue of whether the compensation was excessive is not the question that was raised by the OP.

Yes there are many other victims out there who are not so well compensated and certainly many veterans who have been let down by our various governments.

Compared to other types of compensation handed out, the Rau compensation could be seen as excessive but how does one establish what is fair recompense? The fact is that it was a high profile case, it was deemed to be a government blunder and so one might suspect the payout was influenced to some degree by political motivations.

This case also highlights the failure of our mental health system.

Pelican

That was an excellent summary. I agree that the amount of compensation Cornelia Rau received was definitely influenced by the high profile her case received.

Many others, who suffer from mental illness, are treated appallingly; whether it is in the workplace, government or by sheer bigotry as demonstrated by many on this thread and receive nothing in either compensation or assistance.

Attitudes towards mentally ill people have shifted little. There is no way I could or would admit to my incapacity except via the anonymity provided by forums like this.

Fractelle
I don't blame you, I would do the same if I stood in your shoes. Our society is still not confortable with disability (or what we label as disability). The same is for physical disability but probably less so than mental illness because of the associated stigma.

Fractelle - (I waited to see if the thread was going to continue so I wouldn't seem to be derailling it by this response.

While, like Pelican, I completely understand your view and don't blame you, I don't share it.

Since we left South Africa I've made no secret of being bi-polar and have found, from public talks I have given, that by talking about it and being seen to be still functioning ok, that its helped some people.

It was very, very difficult here, where mental illness is a giant no-no, to keep it secret for two years - even when I went through a bad patch and had to take some sick leave.

My HOD, when I finally made the decision to come clean last semester, was shocked and horrified and said that she wished I hadn't told her.

However, the next week or so, the University was notified that I was the first member of this Uni ever to be awarded a rather prestigious award by the Mayor's office.

My HOD's attitude changed then and it seemed I had helped to shake an ingrained mindset.

So for me, personally, I find that being a blabbermouth is something I kinda feel helps - if not to sway public opinion, at least to demystify the odd person here and there in regard to mental illness.

And if I'm wrong and I'm really shooting myself in the foot? Well hey, I'm a nutter, aren't I? Waddya gonna expect - perfect reasoning?