Angry and Tired

I am angry and I am tired. In a four day span this week in Helena this week, two of our young citizens (Ages 50 & 52) lost their lives due to the consequences of serious mental illnesses. One was a Son and a Father whose family will wonder every day for the rest of their lives what they could have done to prevent to prevent this tragedy. The other was a former neighbor, who in his teenage years, was a babysitter for my two sons. Many people do not realize that people living with serious mental illnesses have a life span 25 years shorter than those of us who are diagnosed as “normal.” Premature death can be due to accidents and suicides, but the adverse effects of psychiatric medications, while lifesaving, can result in obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It is a little known fact that people living with serious mental illnesses use tobacco to alleviate the symptoms of their illnesses. In fact, 44% of the people who use tobacco are the 6% of the population who suffer from serious mental illnesses.

Mental illnesses cannot be cured at this time. They are however very treatable if people can access appropriate treatment. Many people do not know that appropriate therapy and medication can alleviate the symptoms, but no treatment eliminates the symptoms. Mary Giliberti, J.D., Executive Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness has said, “The reality is that the current treatments available for serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are palliative interventions, not curative. At their most optimal and effective use, they are able to improve functioning and allow some to experience recovery and community integration. For major mental illnesses, we are still waiting for discreet novel interventions that genuinely change the course on the illness and avoid lifelong disability and impairment. This includes the development of a new third generation of antipsychotic medications to treat psychotic disorders.”

I am angry that I live in a world that does not recognize serious illness as a legitimate disease. I am angry that people in a psychiatric crisis cannot access respectful, thoughtful, compassionate and caring treatment. I am angry that our jails and prisons are overwhelmed with people suffering from serious mental illnesses. I am angry that there are more offenders in the Montana State Prison receiving psychiatric medications than there are patients in the Montana State Hospital. I am angry at our elected officials, public health servants and mental health professionals who tell me that they understand, but very little changes or improves. I am angry at families who, because of stigma, shame and discrimination do not recognize mental illness or advocate for their family members. I am angry at people who live with serious mental illnesses who, because of stigma, shame and discrimination do not access available treatment.

Finally, I am tired of attending funerals for the children of families who have been lost due to serious mental illnesses. Remember, the enemy is the illness.

Dr. Gary Mihelish

President

NAMI Helena
618 Edgerton Road
Helena, MT 59602