should society take care of the mentally ill?

1. 60

   janesixposted 11 years ago

   The gov. doesn't want to help me. That's ok though, as I will just continue to use the emergency room or hospitals when I have anxiety attacks or psychotic episodes. If they would put me on medicaid and disability, they would save the hundreds of thousands I am costing the taxpayers. Society is stupid, economically it would make much more sense simply to pay for my meds and therapy.
   
   My med doc finally just gave me prescription for antianxiety pills, which is $8 bucks a month, compared to a couple thousand for an emergency room visit for one pill.
   
   As for the psychotic episodes, if I go to the ER they will just give me an sedative and send me home. so after several of those trips, eventually I have some one take me to the psych ward in a different town, where I can get a bed after a day or two. These little trips cost around $50,000 for about ten days to get me stabalized. Of course, I can't pay, so it is subsidized by the goverment. The taxpayers end up paying of course.
   
   They need a system to lower the costs for people like me.

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2. 60

   janesixposted 11 years ago

   One of the problems is that many people can't afford decent meds. They are forced to either buy the crap(like haldol, which makes you jittery and rock back and forth, among other things)or choose not to take anything at all.
   
   drug companies should NOT be allowed to charges hundreds of dollars a month for decent meds.

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3. 60

   janesixposted 11 years ago

   I think it is criminal to allow a person who is acutely psychotic to roam the streets, and release them from the ER simply because they are"not a danger to themselves or others".
   
   Stupid. A psychotic person DOESN'T KNOW WHAT'S REAL.

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4. 60

   janesixposted 11 years ago

   I truly feel sorry for those who, unlike me, have no support and no one to look after their interests.

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5. 60

   janesixposted 11 years ago

   Not one person has anything to say on this issue?

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      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      OK, I'll bite, at least a little.
      
      This is a huge problem in our society, and I don't have a clue how to fix it.  I refuse the accept that it's all right to run around committing people without their consent (rarely given) OR to give out drugs without ever seeing a doctor just because someone wants them.
      
      In some respects it's the same problem as giving free, quality, health care to every person in the country - we can't afford it.  Add in that many (most?) of the mentally ill don't want help and I just don't have any solution.

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6. 86

   Zelkiiroposted 11 years ago

   I would like to get some SSD money for my mental condition, but it hasn't happened yet and probably will never happen because I can work. I can almost never make it past the interview stage, but I've done so at least 4 times now. And my position never lasts more than a month or two. Oh well. It's a living.

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   1. 60

      janesixposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      get a lawer and appeal. It could happen.

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7. 73

   quildonposted 11 years ago

   This is what I was going to say to you, janesix. If you get a lawyer you will eventually get your SSD. and you'll be admitted to the hospital and get your meds whenever you have an episode. Also, you have to keep on taking your meds until your doctor weans you off them.

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8. 72

   Abby Campbellposted 11 years ago

   First, let me say that I'm sorry for what you are going through. I know it's tough as I have a close family member who has a mental illness. She is only 25 years old and resides in a rest home. Fortunately, she was able to get SSI and Medicaid through much red tape with both the federal and local government.
   
   I'm not sure what your situation is, but you will most likely not be able to get assistance if you are working. The government will see that you are capable to contributing to society, and your employer should be able to provide health insurance for you to take care of your needs. Even if your employer doesn't provide health insurance, you are still working to where you can purchase individual health insurance. For an individual, you can get coverage for around $100+ per month.
   
   If you are not currently working, you may be able to go to your county's Social Services department for assistance. Not only can they provide you with Medicaid, but most counties also have health insurance for those who make under a certain amount of money. Some counties may charge a small fee (premium) for this insurance, but it is not much. In my personal county, it is $3 per month. If you qualify for a service like this, you most likely will not qualify for Medicaid. However, your needs are at least met.
   
   If you feel that an injustice is being done to you though, I would recommend seeking a lawyer who specializes in this area. They usually do not charge you anything until you receive your first check from Social Security. It should not be a large fee either.
   
   Good luck to you, and I hope you feel better.

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