This is an extraordinarily moving article. Written by an aspiring young black journalist with a college education and a mental illness. Here is the link: http://bit.ly/1mmVVCL. Here is what I've been talking about in a real-life account. Homelessness and police intervention without an apparent understanding of mental illness. An intelligent and gifted human being with an illness. I find the description of homeless shelters particularly on target. For many of the clients I worked with as a case manager, a homeless shelter or the street was their only option. It is a frightening life. One in which the person struggling feels powerless to make progress moving forward.
This young man experienced the loss of family support that many individuals living with a dual- diagnosis experience. While it didn't result in total detachment, it did have an impact. It used to sadden me how many of my clients were on their own. They had exhausted resources. While their family members might be in the background grieving their loss, they weren't part of the mentally ill individual's daily life. They had lost the energy and willingness to deal with the constant crisis. Obviously, substance abuse and mental illness don't lead to stability. Watching someone struggle with mental illness and substance abuse is difficult. Especially when they are a loved family member.
As I read this article, I found myself imagining how I would feel if this man was my son. Knowing that my intelligent and talented child was living a life on the streets. Realizing that he was at the mercy of a police force willing to judge him as a result of his illness. And his race. What an incredibly frightening experience for a parent. Just as I used to wonder about the families of my clients. What would happen if we had more support for families? What would be possible if treatment were readily available? What would happen if the police were trained to work with mentally ill people in crisis? Would we have more families able to work through the crisis? Would people living with mental illness find help instead of a taser? What do you think? I think it is worth exploring the possibility.
I invite you to read the original article. I think the events described have more impact when viewed through his words. Let me know what you think.
This young man experienced the loss of family support that many individuals living with a dual- diagnosis experience. While it didn't result in total detachment, it did have an impact. It used to sadden me how many of my clients were on their own. They had exhausted resources. While their family members might be in the background grieving their loss, they weren't part of the mentally ill individual's daily life. They had lost the energy and willingness to deal with the constant crisis. Obviously, substance abuse and mental illness don't lead to stability. Watching someone struggle with mental illness and substance abuse is difficult. Especially when they are a loved family member.
As I read this article, I found myself imagining how I would feel if this man was my son. Knowing that my intelligent and talented child was living a life on the streets. Realizing that he was at the mercy of a police force willing to judge him as a result of his illness. And his race. What an incredibly frightening experience for a parent. Just as I used to wonder about the families of my clients. What would happen if we had more support for families? What would be possible if treatment were readily available? What would happen if the police were trained to work with mentally ill people in crisis? Would we have more families able to work through the crisis? Would people living with mental illness find help instead of a taser? What do you think? I think it is worth exploring the possibility.
I invite you to read the original article. I think the events described have more impact when viewed through his words. Let me know what you think.
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