Yes, the US healthcare system fails those with serious mental illnesses (SMIs). Utterly fails them. The only people with SMIs who make a good life and avoid the risks of homelessness, addiction, and death are those with family resources.
It’s because all healthcare here is founded on capitalism. Healthcare is expected to produce a profitable revenue stream. The public here does not want to pay for a public safety net, and worse, views all illnesses as a source of profit.
I would gladly, happily, pay more taxes so our LOs with SMI get lifelong support. All the Scandinavian countries provide this. Sweden is a great model.
Thank you are sharing your experience and thoughts.
No, you are not childish. The fact that you can ask the question shows that you are not.
Length of stay sure is a tricky question, with so many different factors to consider -- I agree with Janice Airhart that what is really needed is smart people who are willing to make case-by-case assessments. Too often these decisions are (or at least appear to be) made based on 'rules' rather than people.
It's the reason I wanted so urgently to go to the S&PAA summit in May in Washington DC.
I may have wrong thinking in this... But I believe a person in their "right mind" has the right to not pursue treatment.
If they cannot achieve mental clarity
There's a need of medical assistance, not commitment but medical attention. It's not a broken arm or cancer.
I'm convinced more than ever that there needs to be a place somewhere in the middle. I don't like the word halfway house but some type of assisted living where a person can come out of the hospital but still have a safe place to be supported.
I don't pretend to know any answers. But having peoples experiences have been the best help for us. It creates balance and perspective.
It's one of those things in life where it really does take a village. Thank you Mat we have great conversations each week.
I agree there must be a reasonable center. It probably requires making accommodation or judgment on a case by case, day by day basis. That's not how the law or mental health "best practice" operates, however. Important conversations, to be sure.
You ask an important question. My mother was committed against her will in 1953 for schizophrenia and died in a psychiatric hospital 13 years later. There were no effective treatments at the time, however, and she could be violent. Today the pendulum may have swung too far in the opposite direction, as you suggest. I grant that persons with mental illness have the right to refuse treatment, but if they're unable to make rational decisions due to their illness, is it kinder to allow them to languish with their delusions or to "force" treatment that may help them live a more satisfying life? You know the answer to this question better than I do. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
I wouldn't trade my medicated life for a life of delusion and illness; that much I can say. Yet, slipping into illness has happened to me. This really takes some thought on my part, but yes, I would say, it is not kinder to let someone remain ill.
Yes, the US healthcare system fails those with serious mental illnesses (SMIs). Utterly fails them. The only people with SMIs who make a good life and avoid the risks of homelessness, addiction, and death are those with family resources.
It’s because all healthcare here is founded on capitalism. Healthcare is expected to produce a profitable revenue stream. The public here does not want to pay for a public safety net, and worse, views all illnesses as a source of profit.
I would gladly, happily, pay more taxes so our LOs with SMI get lifelong support. All the Scandinavian countries provide this. Sweden is a great model.
Americans are more selfish.
What you said is true. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for the support I have gotten from my family.
Thank you are sharing your experience and thoughts.
No, you are not childish. The fact that you can ask the question shows that you are not.
Length of stay sure is a tricky question, with so many different factors to consider -- I agree with Janice Airhart that what is really needed is smart people who are willing to make case-by-case assessments. Too often these decisions are (or at least appear to be) made based on 'rules' rather than people.
These conversations are so important.
It's the reason I wanted so urgently to go to the S&PAA summit in May in Washington DC.
I may have wrong thinking in this... But I believe a person in their "right mind" has the right to not pursue treatment.
If they cannot achieve mental clarity
There's a need of medical assistance, not commitment but medical attention. It's not a broken arm or cancer.
I'm convinced more than ever that there needs to be a place somewhere in the middle. I don't like the word halfway house but some type of assisted living where a person can come out of the hospital but still have a safe place to be supported.
I don't pretend to know any answers. But having peoples experiences have been the best help for us. It creates balance and perspective.
It's one of those things in life where it really does take a village. Thank you Mat we have great conversations each week.
Thanks for reading my post LaLa
I agree there must be a reasonable center. It probably requires making accommodation or judgment on a case by case, day by day basis. That's not how the law or mental health "best practice" operates, however. Important conversations, to be sure.
You ask an important question. My mother was committed against her will in 1953 for schizophrenia and died in a psychiatric hospital 13 years later. There were no effective treatments at the time, however, and she could be violent. Today the pendulum may have swung too far in the opposite direction, as you suggest. I grant that persons with mental illness have the right to refuse treatment, but if they're unable to make rational decisions due to their illness, is it kinder to allow them to languish with their delusions or to "force" treatment that may help them live a more satisfying life? You know the answer to this question better than I do. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
I wouldn't trade my medicated life for a life of delusion and illness; that much I can say. Yet, slipping into illness has happened to me. This really takes some thought on my part, but yes, I would say, it is not kinder to let someone remain ill.