Humans evolved to recognize mental illness in others- for self-preservation.
You know it's true. If you've interacted with a beggar on a corner, you've probably experienced this effect. You can sense it when someone isn't right in the head. No degree in psychology is necessary.
One time, I was staying with a friend, and while she was gone, a guy she knew (but who I didn't) came to the door. I made the mistake of opening it to speak to him, and I knew instantly I was in danger because he was mentally ill. And drunk. (I was glad I was armed, and I was holding my defensive tool out of sight as I coaxed him back out the door.)
That's not the only personal example, and I'm sure you have some of your own.
Most people have been conditioned to be too polite to call it out when they encounter mental illness, and this keeps leading to tragedy. Throw off the conditioning. People will get angry at you. It's a small price to pay.
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