Whos Mentally Ill?
People in the surrounding community constantly ask me, How many of those living outside are mentally ill? My answer is always, I dont know. I cant diagnose anyone. What I can tell you is this: Every single person I see who lives outside is mentally stressed. Thats all I can work with. Numbers or statistics, clinical definitions and labels, mean little or nothing. I hasten to add that I completely support the work of my colleagues who are outreach counselors, therapists and psychiatrists, at least the ones who are genuinely involved and helping real people and not just symptoms. I think organizations like the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and local support such as the Enterprise Resource Center in San Rafael or officer Joel Fay’s program are excellent and greatly needed, though woefully short of personnel and funds. Outreach to people with major mental issues is essential. In fact, most of what we struggle with in this country around homelessness and incarceration can be direct
