Letter to the Editor
The London Free Press
Page A10 - Vox Pop
July 19, 2006
Psychiatric Advocacy Office Helps Protect Patients' Rights
Your editorial, "Mental health-care crisis deepening" (July 5) certainly highlights some of the existing problems in the mental health care system, many of which are, sadly, not unique to London.
Individuals with mental illness often face formidable barriers to their full participation in society, are subject to stigma and discrimination and ostracized by the communities in which they live.
Many cannot access the services they may need or want and others face an endless cycle of admissions and discharges with shorter stays in hospital in which to get well and return to the community. Access to medical and emergency care is often problematic and continuity of care can be a challenge if the person is discharged and has not been linked to a psychiatrist in the community or their family doctor is unable to provide them with the specialized psychiatric care and follow-up they require.
In these circumstances, the client is alone and detached from the very services that will allow them to maintain their wellness and live in the community.
Often a detailed discharge plan is lacking, there is no plan for supporting community re-integration nor a plan to assist the individual in maintaining their wellness and moving towards recovery.
For many, that recovery is elusive because the individualized services and supports they require are not obtainable or they require more attention, support and mentoring than the current system can provide. Most are living in poverty due to inadequate disability benefits, some lack safe, decent and affordable housing, and most have few opportunities for employment, education or social interaction. The financial stressors and instability of housing can and does take it toll on both their physical and mental well-being, as it would on any of us.
A comprehensive system of care must include access to a broad range of assessment, treatment, crisis intervention, case management and rehabilitative supports and services, in keeping with the needs of the individual.
It is not acceptable that we are housing individuals with mental illness in temporary shelters, correctional facilities or having them wander the streets, with no place to call home.
The trend towards the criminalization of individuals with mental illness must be reversed and, as a society, we must collectively take responsibility for adequately providing for some of the most vulnerable amongst us.
The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office, as a rights protection organization believes that part of the solution includes having independent advocacy services available to all individuals with mental illness, educating the public about mental health legislation and clients' rights and working to ensure that our communities are accepting, understanding and inclusive of individuals with mental illness. Only then will we be able to support people in their quest for wellness and recovery.
Sincerely,
David Simpson
Director (A)
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Toronto
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