I just read your February 7th comment and it sank in like a ton of bricks. It reminds me of the psychiatrist and the nurse social worker who banded together to declare me unfit to be my son’s guardian because I did not want them to ship off my son to that “heavenly” New York “that has so much to offer” where a relative had lied to the treatment team that he would my son’s best interests at heart and look out for him. That uncaring, highly overpaid mental health duo merely wanted me out of their way so they could rid themselves of a problem patient. That duo should have long ago given their own brain a rest and gone to work plowing the fields where they belong.

My “throne” comment was not directed at you. One’s acquaintances, friends and relatives are the experts are offering useless advice.

Among the “experts” whose advice I have been subject is the mother of a young man suffering from depression, who committed suicide at the age of 21. Since the “act” took place while he was visiting relatives, I assume she believes she would or could have prevented it.

You are right. Professionals should be in charge and it would be ideal if professionals were all able and capable. Some are, most are not. Or else they start out with good intentions and burn out but remain because they need a job. Others become doctors and nurses simply because that highly regarded profession was pushed on them by parents who want to prove they produced a prized offspring. Being the mother or father of a money machine is nothing to sneeze about either.

It is against one’s civil rights to coerce a patient (who is not currently being a danger to self and/or others) into taking medication against his/her will. It is also illegal to keep patients hospitalized against their will if they are not being dangerous to self and others; at the same time, it is not illegal to discharge a patient, (as is often done) even though the patient may have has no means of fending for themselves nor are there programs available to help in the transition. Whatever programs exist, are underfunded and inadequate. But many think that it is OK because those “bums” on the streets are just “lazy” “bums”, until, of course, that “bum” happens to be your child or someone you love and your own hands are tied!

Strangers are experts are offering their wise solutions from the safety and warmth of their thrones.

Food for thought!

Does that sound more reasonable and safer for Britney.

Just so that you won’t get too bored, I will share a little event. Years ago, shortly after my son (who suffers from mental illness) was set up in his apartment, he felt lonely and decided to make some friends. It did not take long for him to find a couple of guys who were eager to befriend him and invite him to be their roomate. They helped him bring all his clothes and a small refrigerator into their car and while my son was waiting to get inside the car, they took off.

Story #2. While hospitalized, one of the hospital workers whom my son trusted, agreed to do him the favor of getting him some money from a cash machine. My son was happy to have some spending money until he found that the hospital employee had helped himself to a couple of hundred dollars. When that realization hit us, it was a couple of months later and very likely too late for a tape to still be available to prove the theft.

In my opinion, the only solution is to push aside all pesky, annoying illnesses and allow scientists to concentrate their efforts on finding the proper treatment to eradicate the cruel horrors of mental illness.