We have just moved into the area and have noticed an older lady standing outside a house at the top of Devonshire Rd (forest hill end). She isn't threatening or particularly dangerous but she is slightly unnerving. She will wait outside the house for an hour at least whilst muttering to herself almost every evening.

What's the story?

Has this been discussed before?

There are thousands of people with mental problems living in our society. Many of them talk to themselves. I can't see anything in particular from what you have described that is out of the ordinary?

You don't think it's odd that she stands outside the house for that length of time. If it was my place I'd be a little freaked out.

Seems a reasonable enough question to me. Shame no-one seems to know the answer. I hope she's OK.

It could be the same person who was drunk outside the capitol one night about 1 month ago.
She threw herself in the middle of the road shouting she wanted to kill herself.
One passer-by was very patient and helpful to her, then the police came and they knew her very well, but I don't mean it in a bad way.
If that's the same person, I think she is very lonely.

I don't want to say too much. Yes, she does have MH problems and your thread title is somewhat insensitive!

Well said ann

I often read this forum, as someone who is living away from the area for a little while, but would like to keep up to date with what's happening in Forest Hill.

I do however feel a lot of the users take themselves very seriously. I don't think referring to someone who stands for hours taking to themselves as a "crazy lady" is particularly bad. in fact, i'd probably use that phrase myself.

Referring to a person as crazy in a private coversation is one thing.

However, this is an open forum which can be read by anyone, including her, and her friends and family. MH problems are often the source of light entertainment for those who don't have to live with their effects.

Well said again Ann. We've all used similar terms at some point. Doesn't make it right though. See how serious you take yourself if you have the misfortune to be one of the one in three or four who suffer from some sort of mental health issue in their lifetime.

Have we not gone PC mad.

Don't worry brian, you definitely haven't

A close family member has actually, doesn't mean I can't have perspective.

And yes, this forum does seem PC mad.

Is this Agatha? See previous threads if so.

Oh good, the "some of my best friends are..." justification.