Lots of good writing is coming in on the subject of the word "consumer." From Sarah:

I only recently heard the term consumer in reference to psychiatric patients and was rather shocked at it -- only because I am personally so anti-consumerist. Seriously, don't laugh. I hate shopping, I hate buying things that I don't need and I don't like being told to buy stuff because it's trendy.

The same thing goes for medications. I really resent the drug company advertising, simply because it turns hardcore medications into the next gotta-have item. I can't tell you how many stories I've heard from doctors about patients who come in and request a medication they don't need -- simply because they were brainwashed by the incessant advertising on TV. Yes, I'm quite aware that I should be thanking advertisers for giving me a paycheck, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with them.

Believe it or not, I've never been offended by the term patient. I have an illness, I'm managing it, but I'm still under doctor's care regarding the illness. Do we refer to those dealing with Crohn's disease as consumers? How 'bout erectile dysfunction?

While the term patient can seem like a dirty label, it's still the truth. But while I don't really mind being referred to as a patient, I would prefer you just call me Sarah. Cut the label crap out altogether.