People with mental illness 'should get jobs with health insurance and take care of themselves'

[napoleon_in_rags]

44. No, you're totally right.

"forcing them to do something against their will never seem to work long-term in my experience."

The number one driving all people lash out (esp. mentally ill) is the feeling of being unheard, the feeling of being totally powerless. That's why the deal, the trade is so important.

Its bizarre when you first see this work. I remember seeing a situation on video where a mentally ill guy was waving a knife, police were standing back with guns drawn. (really a seemingly rational response) but then a little female cop with mental health training walked up with no gun, smiled, and made a deal with him to hand over the knife, for something like a cookie. The guy felt empowered because he had the power to make or not make a deal, gave her the knife and took the cookie.

The cop was bold, and I don't recommend that as a policy for police, but it shows the key psychological technique for de-escalation: Make people feel heard, give people a sense of empowerment over their own lives.

In my opinion, the way to do mental health outreach is to offer people protection and support. And to make them understand that they have to trade some things for that protection and support, a choice they make. And then its key that they deliver, too. I'll never forget one woman I saw, who was clearly mentally ill, standing in her front yard, yelling at me as I passed. She had no supports, just a "normal" person. Unfortunately for her, she was also very attractive. I thought I saw a car circling her house, and could just imagine the predators sneaking around thinking "nobody will be believe her if she tells, she's crazy." I tried to start a conversation but couldn't, so there was nothing I could do, I moved on, knowing the police were aware now. What's totally unacceptable to me is the idea of somebody like that seeking support, only to get "loon: do not sell weapons to" stamped on her ID, and being pushed back out on the streets to be raped, totally unable to defend herself. So protection and supports means overt protection and supports. Even common sense things like issuing cell phones with a support person to talk to could make a difference in a dangerous situation.

Which brings us to the last thing, stigma. When somebody sees somebody getting treated, the idea should be that here is a person getting supports, like a senior, guy in wheelchair, or kid. The corresponding attitude should be the same. When a person no longer needs supports, the idea should be like somebody who had an accident, needed crutches for awhile, but no longer does. Its important for people receiving supports, like any disabled person, to have hope that they can at some point overcome their disability.

Okay, sorry to make you the target of a long, coffee fuel rant, but I feel like I got all the ranting off my chest. No more DU for me for awhile! DU addition is one of my own issues, I have to manage it carefully!

Peace