by . ..
Member since:
January 11, 2007

"Monitoring" the Mentally Ill

October 28, 2007 06:39 PM EDT
views: 73 | comments: 42

 

"Monitoring" the Mentally Ill

 

We are all familiar with cases of the mentally ill who have been incarcerated for a    

serious crime such as manslaughter, assault, etc. I'm speaking of those individuals

deemed "insane" at trial, placed in a psychiatric institution and then possibly released

into the general population when considered well enough to do so.

 

Should there be a requirement that these individuals be monitored upon release?

 

That their medications are administered as needed?

 

Is that really feasible and if not, should they be kept incarcerated due to that fact?

 

And, is that really "fair" to the mentally ill" as an individual to be monitored and

forced to take meds? There are some bad side effects to them. I'm bipolar and one of

my meds gives me severe tremors in my hands and at times my head - called

"secondary Parkinsons". I don't like it but I'd rather have the tremors than the

symptoms of my bipolar.

 

 

We are all familiar with the young man who committed the serial killings at Virginia

Tech on April 16, 2007. There was a great deal of criticism that "the system" did not

keep "tabs" on him. That if all of the different health systems and the university had

better monitored the man's whereabouts and emotional / mental state of mind, the

killing spree might not have taken place and the young man may have received the

much needed help that a "properly functioning" system could administer. Easier said

than done.

 

Where does the responsibility lie in such an event?

 

 

I do feel that this is a serious issue in our society today and I'm open to ideas that all

of you have. Personally, I truly wish we could give the "incentive" to the mentally ill

who have been released from prison to take their meds, etc. That to me is the best

idea that I can think of without any other ideas from the Gather community.  

I will add, having bipolar, I SURELY don't want to be "monitored" seeing that I have followed a fairly ok path for my illness. I can function in society, etc. Get crabby sometimes but that's it. My husband quickly gets me out of it as I was crabby today and he asked if I was on "extra-curricular crabby". He got me turned around and laughing.

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Comments: 42

flit . Oct 28, 2007, 6:48pm EDT
I'm glad you have his support. :)

I think it's important to keep the fact that the majority of people who have a mental illness are never going to do anything to hurt anyone (other than themselves, anyway) - it is difficult to find a balance in where you draw the line re: taking someone's rights away.
ELLEN B. Oct 28, 2007, 6:51pm EDT
I love the attitude about your illness, It is mature and shows your sense of responsibility for yourself, I must have it for my problems, we all do. I could write a whole article on this subject, having worked for the State, and seen so much, I just may do that. You have me inspired. My son is deemed bi-polar, and he married a gal that is manic depressive, they somehow get thru life together. You are right about the problems with meds. I think the trick is to let those who take them for the reasons you are concerned about, is to let them know we all take meds with side effects, some immediate, some have long term affects, it is letting another human being know we are all in it together. Ellen B
Cindie B. Oct 28, 2007, 6:52pm EDT
It is great that he supports you with this. I wish my ex had, or even if my kids could recognize when I am depressed, and help me through it.
ELLEN B. Oct 28, 2007, 7:10pm EDT
I will do it for you and many other's. You have brought a serious question "to the floor". and society as a whole ignores the cries of many who not as fortunate as we. Thanks for the article, well written as always. By the way , the stigma should be on the other foot, you and I know that. Ellen B
Carrie O. Oct 28, 2007, 7:35pm EDT
I think there needs to be more monitering done to help mentall ill patients who are not able to care for themselves while in a downward spiral. For instance, my husband (we are currently living apart)has been released from a hospital after attempting sucide. He is bipolar and at times can't care for himself. Since I am in another city the hospital should be monitering him and making sure he has the resources he needs to keep him from making more attempts on his own life. However he has no monitering whatsoever and it often leaves him missing for days and me worried sick as I try to find him.
Angie O. Oct 28, 2007, 7:37pm EDT
I think society as a whole are very critical to those who are different, be it mental or physical. I think most people, unless knowing someone with the problem or having the problem themselves are at a loss as to understand exactly or be sympathtic to the unique one. One point I will make though, I am not totally positive that in the case of the Virginia Tech situation everything was done that was possible as they were aware of the problem before it esculated. I work at a college and I can only hope if signs are there that my place of employment would do things different with maybe more monitoring or counseling of individuals known to have problems.
Heidianna "Coriander" T. Oct 28, 2007, 7:45pm EDT
This is an interesting question. I don't really have any good ideas. I have trouble saying there should be a point blank decision regarding monitoring. On the one hand, it would be helpful. On the other hand, does it go against personal freedom? Or maybe in committing a crime you have given up your freedom in this way.

I think it would be a best case scenario if people had someone caring in their lives, such as you have your husband. I don't think it matters if you're a criminal or not in this situation. Sometimes, people forget to take their meds. When I'm feeling good, I occasionally forget. When I feel awful, I always remember.

Wouldn't it be lovely if the people caring for any mentally ill person would treat them with kindness and understanding? Of course, it also depends on the level of the patient, too. It's all so complex, and I have no answers. I don't think our current system is "good enough" though.
lynn a. Oct 28, 2007, 9:02pm EDT
Hard questions. Guess that's why we still haven't gotten this worked out. I think people known to be dangerous and are capable of killing should be in a hospital and kept there and if medicine is required to ensure a non-violent mentality then they should remain in the hospital. If there isn't the danger of violent behavior I don't see a reason to keep someone hospitalized, except in the case of someone who can not manage alone at times. But anyone who can manage should be free. I have a friend the court did not put in a hospital although they deemed her incapable of taking care of her daughter. I don't see any justice in that. I think htey should have put her in the hospital whether she wanted to go or not knowing they could get her on meds that would help her think straight and then return the daughter. She's been on the streets ever since, living a homeless person's life. A very responsible person who had horrible things happen over a period of a few years and lost it and no one would protect her when she couldn't think straight. Now I am afraid she is dead. No one has heard from her. I feel we let her down. The government violated her by not taking care of her when she couldn't take care of herself. Not fair.
Joyce C. Oct 28, 2007, 9:37pm EDT
A good article.

I think a lot lies within the individual and the willingness in the self to heal.
Donald M. Oct 28, 2007, 10:54pm EDT
Kathleen I think you are doing a terrific job. The poor that cant get adequate help is the problem. You know, I have found out there are so many government agencies, set up to help, but its not told to those that need the help. I think the Department of Human Resourses should be required to give them a list of the help agencies.But they dont. So, I will tell everyone. I found that most counties have an agency called MHMR. which goes strictly on income. They will even help get those who can not work SSI, Suplemental Security Income. Its similar to Social Security, but for those under 65.
They treat everything from depression, Bipolar, sktzophrenia, Mental retardation. Panic disorder. Its a good place to get people you know help that have some or no insurance.
Dan (Cowboy Up) V. Oct 28, 2007, 11:30pm EDT
Aww Katheleen..it's hard to imagine you being crabby with that big smile we always see! C):-) lol I guess we all have our moments..Yes..even ME! (gasp!) These are great questions you raise. My Aunt is a victim of Downs syndrome and has been in an institution for years. She is a danger to no one of course but needs supervision for her own good. The other diseases you speak of can be more dangerous I'm sure, especially if they are at risk to be violent. Maybe some type of board along with a advocate for the patient would work? It's going to take people a lot smarter than me to figure it out. lol C):-)
libramoon C. Oct 28, 2007, 11:57pm EDT
The majority of people with or without mental illness (and in a lot of ways the majority of the people might well be considered mentally ill depending on your definitions) don't commit violent crimes. The ones who do generally have a reason that could have been noticed -- not by keeping them under any kind of surveillance, but simply by promoting an environment of people who care. I have read some very intriguing articles by mental health researchers indicating that the best treatment for many of these disorders is not drugs or surveillance or years of treatment dependency, but the resiliency that comes from meaningful relationships, even if those relationships are with caring professionals.
Ron B. Oct 28, 2007, 11:57pm EDT
People found mentally incompetent or judged impaired at the time they commit a crime are often sentenced to prison but are housed in forensic units where some are diagnosed with a disorder which they were not previously aware of, like psychosis. Similar to parolees who are subject to supervision after leaving prison, some with special conditions like prohibiting alcohol consumption, forensic patients may be subject to supervision with special conditions regarding medication maintenance or therapy.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Oct 29, 2007, 12:59am EDT
I am really split on this issue, but I really wish there were more monitoring in place, I am just not sure what kind of monitoring or how much it should be. I think a lot of problems boils down to the patients taking their medication. My aunt has been off hers for about three years now, and I really do feel that she could be a danger to herself or others at times. There are no ways for us to get her to take her medication though.
April H. Oct 29, 2007, 1:37am EDT
This is one topic I will not touch with a ten foot pole but I amglad you have your hubby to support you.
Pepsie J. Oct 29, 2007, 5:43am EDT
I think that this question has many answers. It's very complex. Kathleen I'll get back to you later today with my thoughts on this...
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Oct 29, 2007, 12:02pm EDT
I told you that my friend is facing thses problems.well written...
Carolyn K. Oct 29, 2007, 8:18pm EDT
great article
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Oct 29, 2007, 10:48pm EDT
I think if you commit a crime and have been declared mentally ill by the court that there should be monitoring of your medicinal intake after your release. If this happens, my feeling is that you have already proven that you are capable of killing/maiming/injuring others as a result of your illness so you need this.

If someone is mentally ill and does not commit a crime, then I do not think think that their medicinal intake should be monitored.
Kelly M. Oct 29, 2007, 11:55pm EDT
Interesting question! My hubby and I have had this argument because my mother is bi-polar and frequently decides to stop taking her meds and usually ends up in a hospital for a few weeks. I said to him it is to difficult to force people to take meds- if you force mentally ill people to take their meds, then you will have to force everyone who is ill to take their meds (even those who are terminally ill with cancer).. Hard to make those kinds of decisions...
donna h. Nov 1, 2007, 3:03pm EDT
Kathleen, mental illness is no stranger in my family. I have seen the ravages of all the meds on my brother for his schizophrenia. They destroyed him more. My sister was given an overdose in the hospital and died...my mother sat on the couch alot...the thorazine just made her sit....I refuse to take any meds for my depression, I have enough health problems without adding to them. The other side of the medicine story that hardly tell.
donna h. Nov 1, 2007, 3:04pm EDT
This was a good article...
necee t. Nov 11, 2007, 2:12pm EST
i enjoyed your article, Kathleen... you write very well... and about
very important things... thanks... it's a tricky thing, but
some people do need monitoring and many do not, like us...
Blessings to all...

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