Comments | schwael: Mental Health Bill

schwael

Mental Health Bill

Mar 11, 2008 12:08

Mental Health Parity Bill H.R. 1424

To:
George W. Bush (R)
Secretary Michael O. Leavitt
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD)
Representative Chris Van Hollen Jr. (D-MD 8th)

Thank you for supporting this bill. I happen to not like the continued methods of mental health treatment using drugs and therapy to band-aid mental ( Read more... )

Comments 4

although it is popular to be against drugs acteonputation March 12 2008, 01:56:44 UTC

The brain is an organ like any other, and it can have problems. Believe me.. psychosis has no root cause. Believe the science. Drugs can reverse it in a matter of hours. It is a miracle no one should be deprived of.

Re: although it is popular to be against drugs schwael March 12 2008, 13:05:12 UTC

oh I completely agree. but they are also over prescribed and used as a end-all solution. there must be something in-between.

further, drugs should be available without pharmaceuticals making a ton of profit at the expense of the sick. nor should they be patenting medicine and thereby preventing wider distribution.

it's not the drugs i have a problem with. ;)

Re: although it is popular to be against drugs phatpharmer March 12 2008, 16:45:53 UTC

unfortunately, unlike with depression or anxiety, the non-drug alternatives for psychotic disorders are much more limited. In my experience there can be a great deal of therapeutic work which can be done with schizophrenic clients but medication tends to be a prerequisite. That said, what is needed in the system right now is consistent follow-up care such as supportive housing and "clubhouse" style rehabilitation programs, not more newer meds. And I am not sure that mental health parity legislation will provide this effectively ( ... )

sarahtalia March 13 2008, 03:20:26 UTC

Nice work, Liz! So true.

As for Phat Pharmer, not all mental illness is psychosis.

I know that starting in the 1960s many states cut funding for facilities for the mentally ill. Many of those who once lived in those centers are part of our current homeless population (or prison population).

This country doesn't realize how many of its policies against social welfare are bad for business. The social costs are tremendous.