TheBanyanTree: Mental Illness Ain't No Picnic

[Russ Doden]

Monique,

In reading this over my morning coffee before going to a networking meeting,
so many memories of your challenges you have shared came back.  I then
forwarded it on to a dear friend of mine - perhaps my best friend.  Her
husband is on full military disability - and social security disability -
for mental reasons.  He can't find help, won't seek meaningful help, and
continually "falls through the huge gaps" in our so called mental health
system.  She, like you had to, has to constantly fight to get her husband
help.  He is "aware" enough to work the system if he likes the person and
just ignores them and refuses to go back to them if they see though his
charade.  I worry about him - because he is becoming obsessed with weapons -
projectile, bladed and pointed.  I worry about him - and about the whole
family - especially my best friend.  I see traces of his illness in their 25
year old daughter but can only encourage my friend to encourage the daughter
to be aware of what is going on in her world.  Thank you for this essay.
Perhaps, if enough people become aware, we can do something for those with
mental problems.  It isn't something that is "contagious" or that one can
get from the person sitting next to you.  It isn't something that the
sufferer can "get over" quickly.  It requires a great deal of time, work and
understanding from everyone.  When people start to realize that, and maybe
it will take the polititians only when enough of their families are affected
- but no, that is a dream.  They have their own special health care.  If
thier familes are affected they will get the help they need.  It is up to us
to demand better health care - mental and physical, to bring about change.
Seeing this happening to my best friend, and seeing it through your eyes
Monique, have made it very real for me.  Thank you.

Russ


-- 
Take things one day at a time
If that is too much, go 1 hour at a time
If that is too much, go 1 minute at a time
Miracles come one minute at a time.