[Magdalen] Washington Post article on involuntary hospitalization of the mentally ill

[Ann Markle]

Susan, I read this article -- for some reason, it took me all day.  I
remember making home visits to clients sometimes, and finding their living
quarters in a condition that didn't seem good to me, but it's a hard line
to draw, between "each to his (or her) own," vs. "these conditions are
hazardous to the client and other building residents, or signs of worsening
condition."  The article in the NY Times was almost opposite, about the
closing of the Brooklyn Psychiatric Center and a man who had been admitted
for the better part of 30 years, and what would be his life now.  The
article made me sad, and glad I don't have to make those kinds of decisions
about clients.

Ann

The Rev. Ann Markle
Buffalo, NY
ann.markle at aya.yale.edu
blog:  www.onewildandpreciouslife.typepad.com

On Mon, Feb 2, 2015 at 9:37 AM, Susan Hagen <susanvhagen at gmail.com> wrote:

> I work at Western State Hospital in Virginia.  The Post has a very
> thoughtful article featuring a woman who has been a patient and a long
> time advocate for the rights of people with mental health problems.
> It highlights the difficulty of balancing the rights of people to make
> their own choices against the need to protect the vulnerable, the
> shortage of supported housing in communities.  There are also a few
> photos of the inside of the facility, rare because of patient privacy
> concerns.  Clearly this woman has given full consent to be shown and
> named.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ng34evr
>
> Many of us have spoken of our own and our family members' struggles
> with mental health problems.  I would be interested in your reactions.
>
> Susan
>
>
>
> --
> Before enlightenment pay bills, do laundry.  After enlightenment pay
> bills, do laundry.
>