As a family member of someone with severe mental health problems, I caution everyone against taking mental health for granted. Mental illnesses affect one in four residents of our community, including people of all ages, races, creeds, and economic groups. The good news is, mental disorders can be treated effectively, but only if you have unlimited finances or access to health care coverage. And while mental health care coverage should be on par with physical health care coverage, unfortunately, insurance discrimination is common. Nearly 97 percent of health insurance plans limit mental health coverage. But, even so, those with insurance coverage are lucky.

Nearly one-third of the nation's estimated 600,000 homeless individuals are believed to be adults, ages 18 or older, with severe mental illnesses. These illnesses are severe enough that these individuals can not care for themselves. These people can not work or go to school. They don't have the mental or financial resources they need to get help. It's a problem no one wants to face — especially, right here in Fayette County.

I realize that while public perception assumes that mental illness is linked with violence, the truth is violent behavior of persons with mental illnesses represents only a minor contribution to all violent crimes. But the fact still remains that there are a small subgroup of people with severe and persistent mental illness that are at risk of becoming violent. With proper treatment and taking prescribed medication, these people are no more dangerous than the general population. But, this is where my frustration lies and the reason for this letter.

I have a sibling who has a severe mental illness who was born and raised in Fayette County. This person dropped out of school in the tenth grade, barely able to read or write. This person has been institutionalized several times for short periods of time. Most recently, the state hospital bused this individual back to Fayette County after three weeks of treatment. This is a good-hearted, kind person, but this is also a sick person who is desperately in need of long-term professional help. I believe it is only a matter of time before something tragic happens.

I do not know what else I can do. I have done my research. I have called for help. I have been given the runaround more times than I can count. I'm sure the Fayette County Mental Health Care workers are just as frustrated as I am. They are overworked, underpaid, and desensitized. All they can offer is outpatient care. With three small children of my own, I simply do not have the financial resources to pay for the private care that is needed. My father is financially capable, but unwilling to help.

I also fear for my children's safety. I simply can not provide the care or home that is needed. With proper medical treatment and rehabilitation, I believe that my sibling can one day be self-sufficient. But, right now there is a 22-year-old mentally ill individual living on the streets of Fayette County with no job, no health insurance, no medication, no home. This person is suicidal, impulsive and feels there is no apparent reason to live.

The most frustrating part of all is that this is a treatable illness. Several times, facilities that were willing to help us, turned us away when they learned we were from Fayette County, explaining we aren't in their region of service. Even the United Way told me that it was a shame that we lived in Fayette County because there just weren't any services available for our area.

Please educate yourself. Call or write our government officials and demand better mental health care services for Fayette County. And please pray that we can find the treatment that is needed before something tragic happens.

Name withheld by request
Fayetteville

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