Letter: Our American mental health crisis

With the instances of abuse and neglect against those who are ill with psychopathological problems in our mental health centers, I tend to think about how distressing it is for a loved one to see his or her friend or family member psychologically disintegrate.

We already have a deplorable system where those without medical treatment suffer the most in terms of abuse and other forms of victimization. The recent incidents at Western State Hospital are the indications of a lack of comprehensive psychiatric care for those who badly need it. What would be ideal for those patients is more funding for better health services and the treatment of mental illnesses as a problem, not a mere attitude flaw.

I, personally, believe medication and counseling, when provided by caring professionals, would prevent poor choices psychiatric patients often make. If no progress occurs, then all of us should acceptingly see mentally ill patients suffering and even destroying their own lives and possibly others.

This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 3:49 AM with the headline "Letter: Our American mental health crisis."