homeless

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   lovetherainposted 6 years ago

   "According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 20 to 25% of the homeless population in the United States suffers from some form of severe mental illness. In comparison, only 6% of Americans are severely mentally ill (National Institute of Mental Health, 2009)."
   
   Why? And what can be done about this situation?

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      RTalloniposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      An insightful book on the topic is from Dr. Richard Ganz: https://www.amazon.com/PsychoBabble-Fai … 0891077340
      
      Many people say they want a solution, but what they mean is they want their solution to work. They do not want the solution.

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   2. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      There used to be institutions to house these mentally ill.  However, in the 1980s, many governors including the late Mario Cuomo, father of the current New York governor, released the mentally ill out into the streets because of "humane" considerations.   The solution to this current dilemma is to build institutions for these mentally ill.  Also there should be counselling & work education so that those who are mildly mental ill can be re-integrated into society.  Those who are severely mentally ill have to remain institutionalized.

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         wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Would you lock away people that are no danger to others?  Remove all their rights and freedom because you determine they are abnormal?

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         1. 83

            gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            No.   If they aren't a danger to others, there is really nothing that can be done.

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         2. 64

            lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, if they are unable to care for themselves.

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2. 83

   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   I would read Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. Hardship is not a mental illness. Being lazy is not a mental illness.  https://tinyurl.com/y8b3cbuw

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   1. 64

      lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I am specifically discussing the homeless WITH a serious mental illness, like schizophrenia etc.

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3. 76

   wildernessposted 6 years ago

   Why?  Because they are mentally ill and cannot function as "normal" people do. 
   
   The solution, however, is fraught with danger for mentally ill people have the same rights the rest of us do unless an active danger to themselves or others).  Forcing a mental exam on anyone homeless and locking them away, for instance, is not an acceptable answer.

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   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      There have to be institutions built for the purpose of housing those mentally ill.  Those who are mildly mentally ill & can be re-integrated should receive counselling & job training.  They also have to be taught life skill education.   These who are more severely mentally ill have to be institutionalized with no chance of release into society.

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         lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         I agree. At least for the worst who CANNOT take care of themselves, or who are a danger to society.

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4. 83

   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   Releasing mentally ill into the streets is not true.  It's a falsehood spread by those who want to take our rights away.

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