"Mental health" and "mental illness' are not simply medical or psychological terms — they are social and political as well. The social status of the sick role is assumed by persons afflicted by both somatic and mental diseases. In each case, the role is of broad social significance. But in the case of mental illness, the sick role not only excuses one from responsibility, it relieves one of responsibility. At least, this is the case with serious mental illnesses — one is stripped of the usual prerogatives of members of one's society. In fact, being characterized as seriously mentally ill involves the forfeit of many of the rights and duties of persons.