Mental Health: Helping Others

It's a sad situation when an individual cannot control his or her anger or emotions, thus leading to violence and even death.

It leads everyone to believe that the individual was never disciplined for bad or inappropriate behavior as a child/teen.

As someone else stated in another article: "Sometimes parents would rather be 'friends' with their children, instead of being their authority figure."

Parents need to realize that by choosing friendship over authority, they are causing future problems.

Why do so many people not want to seek help for themselves or their loved one? Some people use the excuse: they cannot afford mental health. However, most cities/states have programs for people in the lower income bracket. So that is not a legitimate excuse. (There are also state-funded facilities. All it takes is a few calls to get you on track to someone who will help)

But finances aren't always the case. Some people have the funds but refuse to seek help for their family, or "assume" things will get better eventually.

Each town should start holding regular meetings to inform everyone of the warning signs to watch for in family members, friends, and neighbors.

And it should not have to be only a spouse or parent's responsibility to get their loved one help.

The saying "it takes a community to raise a child" can be applied here. Each community should look out for one another; report to the proper authorities the individuals whom they suspect are in need of evaluating.

The proper authorities -Department of Human Services- should take it from there.

It would seem, if several witnesses (neighbors, friends, family) report one individual numerous times, that individual should have no choice but to undergo evaluation.

It will not be mean or cruel to report these individuals to authorities. It will actually be showing an act of love for humanity by assisting that person with receiving the mental help they need, and potentially saving the lives of others.

Our Country does an amazing job at pulling together during tragedies (9-11, etc), Holidays (Christmas), WHY can't we pull together ALL THE TIME?