Posted by jay on October 29, 2001, at 3:16:05
I posted this on another message, but I think this is of DIRE importance. We who are getting treatment for mental health problems seem to ALWAYS be treated as second-class patients. AS IF suicide is some how not as deadly as cancer or a heart attack!
After many years of treatment, as well as being on the other side of the helping field, suicide and mental illness are at EPIDEMIC rates. What we need is a 'sea-change', to start being aggressive (or better, assertive) in DEMANDING care, and not letting the medical community shun us.
Andrew Solomon in Noonday Demon say's it quite well, in that the hospital should NOT be a last resort, but a place we should feel free to go WHENEVER we feel needed. I know this is very tough for Americans in particular, because of your for-profit medical system, but be forward and direct in your needs. The U.N. and Amnesty International directly point out health-care IS A RIGHT..period!
EVERY single person on this planet deserves good and proper medical care, not just those who can afford it.
Go through as MANY doctors as needed until you get what you want, and a treatment you feel good about. DON'T SETTLE for second best....don't settle for just feeling 50 percent fine. You are undervaluing yourself and your rights.If you are having a rough time, again, don't be afraid to goto emergency, or get admission to the hospital...and don't BE SHY about it. Demand another doctor..and another...and another...you and all of us owe it to ourselves! This is the 21'st century for gawwds sake...not the 18th! We have amazing strides in technology...in medicine....and the level and quality of care MUST keep stride! Rattle the cage, demand, and you might really surprise yourself.
YOU are worth it...YOU deserve it...WE ALL DO!
/rant :-)
Jay
poster:jay
thread:82545
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82545.html