Bestselling Author and Mental Health Advocate
About the author:Pete Earley is the bestselling author of such books as The Hot House and Crazy. When he is not spending time with his family, he tours the globe advocating for mental health reform.
Pete Earley is the bestselling author of such books as The Hot House and Crazy. When he is not spending time with his family, he tours the globe advocating for mental health reform.
As a former reporter for The Washington Post, Pete uses his journalistic background to take a fair-minded approach to the story all while weaving an interesting tale for the reader.
You nailed it dude! Thanks so much for being out front on this
The perception of the reporter here, as well as most people, still seems to be that not being able to get help for a mentally ill loved one is a rare occurrence instead of the norm. The lack of a diagnosis for James Holmes is indicative of the problem, not a reason to dismiss it.
Mental illness is second to heart disease as the most dibilitating disease in our nation. Some day maybe persons with mental illness will receive immediate, quality treatment just as patients with heart disease do. Maybe some day mental health research will be just as important as cancer research is to our country. Changing commitment laws to include a loved one’s steady decompensation (lack of ability to care for oneself) as well as danger to self and to others would allow many more individuals quicker access to mental health treatment – stopping the damage that is being done to their brains sooner. You did an awesome job, Pete, speaking on behalf of thousands of families (and their loved ones) experiencing the disparity in our health care system.
Thanks!
Terri
When will people UNDERSTAND!!!! THey do not want to put money into mental health!!! They figure that its cheaper to just pick you up and jail you if you cross the line that treat you long term? I have seen it, been thru it, and its not going to change as long as they keep taking money away from mental health treatment as soon as the economy farts!
We need access to resources, to education the public, early identification and intervention, SEL (social and emotional learning) curriculum, pediatricians to include a brief “how are you” conversation to include some basic questions to help with early identification, parent-teacher conferences that focus on more than just academics,… there’s a lot we can do. There is one resource that I’m not sure people are aware of; it’s 211. Call 211 for 24/7, free, confidential help finding a meal, finding help in a crisis,… we have in in California and I believe it’s available nationwide.
my two cents…..