[manicminer]

I am so very thankful I got the help I needed. With all these violent acts in the news lately, many of them tell the same story.

A troubled individual, usually troubled since childhood, with continual fantasies of violent acts against others, until the day when they finally snap, or the plan they have crafted in their sick mind finally all comes together and they have the oppurtunity to act out the greatest drama their mind ever conceived.

I am thankful because I too have had / continue to have such fantasies, but now I understand why and where these thoughts are coming from and how to cope with them in ways other than acting them out.

I am convinced if I had not gotten help when I did, I'd be the one on the front page of the newspaper, the breaking story on the evening news and plastered all over the internet like these others have been in recent months.

I feel terrible not only for the victims, but the accused as well, for I know that if they had gotten help sooner, the violence very well might have been prevented.

What can we do to help though? Raise awareness? Donate to mental health organizations? Write our elected officials calling for increased funding to mental health facilities and increased mental health coverage from insurance companies?

Something needs to be done. All this suffering at the hands of mentally ill individuals is so unecessary.

I agree with your thinking. And I really believe that our country is going
to have to spend the money and provide facilities to treat those who
commit crimes who are seriously mentally ill.

The problem, it seems to me, is getting to those people before they commit a crime.

And, of course, the financing of institutions with psychiatric help is not
sufficient at this time to provide the best of care to those who need it the most. That's the tragedy.

Hopefully , our congress will wake up to the dilemma of mental illness and
make provisions for adequate care and remission of diseases in those who
are criminally active.

Originally Posted by manicminer

I am so very thankful I got the help I needed. With all these violent acts in the news lately, many of them tell the same story.

A troubled individual, usually troubled since childhood, with continual fantasies of violent acts against others, until the day when they finally snap, or the plan they have crafted in their sick mind finally all comes together and they have the oppurtunity to act out the greatest drama their mind ever conceived.

I am thankful because I too have had / continue to have such fantasies, but now I understand why and where these thoughts are coming from and how to cope with them in ways other than acting them out.

I am convinced if I had not gotten help when I did, I'd be the one on the front page of the newspaper, the breaking story on the evening news and plastered all over the internet like these others have been in recent months.

I feel terrible not only for the victims, but the accused as well, for I know that if they had gotten help sooner, the violence very well might have been prevented.

What can we do to help though? Raise awareness? Donate to mental health organizations? Write our elected officials calling for increased funding to mental health facilities and increased mental health coverage from insurance companies?

Something needs to be done. All this suffering at the hands of mentally ill individuals is so unecessary.

I'm happy you got help too. and it takes courage to seek out help.

They are doing so many cuts regarding mental illness, it's crazy. U are so right in so much that u said.

My boy is struggling and I hope he gets help too. It's so hard to see your child struggle and refuse help...I tell him it's not a weakness but he still thinks it is. I hate seeing him so depressed.

Good for u in getting the help u needed.

[faerie_moon_x]

I'm also happy you got help. And I agree that there needs to be some help for those that for whatever reason, their mind drives them down the violent road. But I also know it's not going to be easy to resolve.

I think it goes beyond hospitals and facilities, but also real public awareness vs. stigmatized awareness. The answer isn't going to be a simple one. But it's one thing I really pray for, releif and protection for those who need the help before they fall over the edge.

[bluewave7]

Staying clean and sober myself...one day at a time. Drugs and alcohol render any bipolar/depression/anxiety meds useless. If i want stability I can not drink beer...my 'drug of choice was beer and lots of it in one sitting, then none for several weeks or months. I cant think i can have just one because with me, it's never just one. I used to binge on beer but so far one year sober now. A.A. helped a lot. Thank you for being wise and honest and getting help.

[Moose72]

HUGS, P!!!