[–] 1-Pist-Optimus ago
If they can't run the VA, what makes anyone believe they can administer a loony bin? Put the effort where it is deserved. They started taking away Vet's benefits long ago. Now they've done the same to Social Security. Short Term the bastards and turn the administration back to the states where the neighbors can be heard when their locals go crooked. The whole damn country has been allowed to relinquish their responsibilities. The "buck" slid off the desk and into the trash can long ago!
[–] numina18 ago
There SHOULD be places where overwhelmed people can go to rest, recuperate and return to society. Many people think, when they are overwhelmed, they should go to the nearest psych ward for help. Unless they are totally suicidal, and this can happen, they should not go near these places. But, there is nowhere else to go. When you go to a psych ward for help, you usually get one thing: Medication. The wrong thing. what you really need is a safe place where your deficiencies can be assessed and corrected. I mean physiological deficiencies. This never happens. People do not understand that brains need many nutrient to function properly. Also, drugs can cause brain problems. We need a completely different approach to helping mentally distressed people.
[–] USAMatters [S] ago
My father was a psychiatrist and he always felt getting to the bottom of depression was first to check if the patient lacked some nutrient. He would have his patients do a complete blood test and he tested a number of items that were not necessary tested by the family doctor. Once he found the patient's physical deficiencies - lack of iodine or some other trace element, or any other physical body condition that could be resolved, would often lead to attitude improvements.
Then he would work on improving the patient's self esteem, their ability to set healthy goals, get out in the sun and move around. Often his sessions were outside where they would walk talk. When he did not have sessions, he would sit with the patients and teach them how to play chess.
He would say the best things to do for mental health was to get your body as healthy as possible, supplement any deficient nutrients, get a positive support network, move close to the bay, buy a boat & learn how to fish. He worked in the VA hospital - mostly male patients. They loved him at the hospital - his sessions were often outside "for a walk and a talk". He would almost always be available for a long walk or a cup of coffee. He would tell his patience, we will get through this - the days will be brighter.
Not uncommon to hear "Hey, Doc, you got time for a walk?".
He would say to me - if you have done something that bothers you - put steps in place to correct the situation, don't do it again and do not let guilt own you - apologize if you need to and then work to make you stronger and things will start to fall into place.
As would b expected - he was a very good listener and a sweet, kind man. He died when I was young & decades later - I still miss him.