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Well said, Dave.

I have been advocating for my son (dx'd schizoaffective in 1998) for many years.

He has been on the streets during episodes of florid psychosis and unassailable until the inevitable crisis ensues. He has been hospitalized on the average of 1.5 X per year because he finds the psychiatric meds intolerable and stops taking them.

In late 2009, he exprienced his first arrests and a night in jail, followed by a court-ordered diversion program. He and I are grateful that treatment was provided in lieu of more jail.

However, his compliance with medication has done little to improve his quality of life. He is following the doctor's (and court) orders, but he feels the very real consequences of the chemical strait jacket.

I have come to understand during the past 12 years that his choices are limited to being psychotic or being robotic.

The medical model does keep him from being a threat to society but now he is a threat to himself because he faces every day the desire to take his own life due to the debilitating side effects of his meds.

There is no good answer.

Thank you for pointing out that lack of resources leave few options for people who so desperately need more support.

posted 3 years ago
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I am an independent contractor in publishing. My industry (textbook publishing) has been severely impacted by both technology and the recession. I can no longer depend on having adequate freelance opportunities, though I've been in the business for 40 years.

I am 63 and uninsured. I never know what my freelance income will be for a given year. My income varies from poverty level to 4X above. What sort of insurance plan will give me some security under these uncertain fiscal circumstances for the next two years until I can enroll in Medicare?

Thank you.

Ava Hayes

Springfield, OR

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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