Should mentally ill people have access to guns?

Receiving full social security benefits because they can not work or function in society with out support

@Mrsmeta: is that the definition the US uses?

@Salix75: in the USA they use a diagnosis from the dSm and define disability by loss of functioning

@Mrsmeta: ok. But many people have a diagnosed mental illness but aren't disabled. They'd have access to weapons, yes? Just trying to figure it out (I'm not American)

The law impacts people with a psychotic diagnosis that are receiving full disability benefits because they can not function in society (work)and require a legal guardian

@Mrsmeta: ah ok. I'm just wondering about the ramifications of easy access for people with mental illnesses but not psychotic (e.g. Depression).

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions :)

No problem

@Salix75: getting diagnosed and clinically treated for depression can/could leave you intelligible for firearms purchases... this was the case pre obama bill.

If the depression led to unsafe behavior which involved the authorities, yes that could potentially impact a person's ability to purchase guns. An episode of depression the did not impact the community would not make one ineligible to purchase firearms

@Mrsmeta: mmmm. Sustained long term cinical depression - not even addressing any sort or mania - depending on the treatment and long term outlook did and does.
Sorry if my clinical terms are a bit rusty. i come from the dsm4 days. I know the PC brigade got involved with the dsm and mixed up some terms.
So i'm told.