Virginia Tech, Tucson, and now Aurora Colorado…will we ever learn?

      As Harry Truman once said, “There is nothing new in the world, except the history you do not know.”

     Recently, another tragedy of unimaginable proportions occurred, this one in Aurora Colorado; which left 12 people dead, and 58 wounded 9 critically. This deadly rampage took place during a midnight episode of the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight”. James Holmes, a disturbed young man, dressed in SWAT gear and wielding a semi-automatic weapon entered the theater and committed these atrocities, by randomly shooting innocent people.

     Since we tend to ignore history, it continues to repeat itself with the same ominous results. Predictably, the national media blasted away with their usual misplaced blame at specific groups. Repeating the mistakes made in the aftermath of the tragedy in Tucson Arizona about 19 months prior, the first target was the local Tea Party. Two notable ABC news correspondents, Brian Ross and George Stephanopoulos, did their best “Dumb and Dumber” impersonations when they alleged that the shooter was a member of the Colorado Tea Party. This announcement was orchestrated with a measure of “Yellow Journalism” not seen since those Tucson shootings, because they once again, never did check their facts. The two seemed to be blinded by their ignorance and failed to believe that there could be more than one person in Colorado with the name James Holmes. Not surprisingly, there are!

     To refresh everyone’s memory, after the tragic shootings in Tucson, the media and politicians were outlandish with their assertion that Sarah Palin and the Tea Party were somehow instrumental in that tragedy. As time went on, the world soon discovered that there was no culpability on their part, just like in Aurora Colorado. It bears adding that the alleged perpetrator in Tucson, Jared Loughner; possessed political views more in tuned with the liberal thinking Occupy Movement. However, neither Mr. Stephanopoulos nor Mr. Ross has acknowledged that as of this time nor are they likely to do so in the foreseeable future. 

     That being said, all of their stupidity distracts from the real issues, and the one challenge we need to direct more energy into, which could, in fact, prevent some of these tragedies like the ones mentioned. Recent history is illustrating that the direction we are taking in this country, is not working! Major changes in the mental health system are needed and are long overdue!

     On April 16, 2007, Seung Hui Cho, a disturbed student at Virginia Tech University shot 32 fellow students to death and wounded 17 more before killing himself. A commission was formed to study this tragedy and came up with changes in civil commitment laws, but the changes were not properly funded. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, since 2005, in that state, the number of inpatient beds has surprisingly decreased by 15%. This in spite of calls for fundamental changes in the treatment of the severely mentally ill!

     On January 8, 2011, the aforementioned Jared Loughner, a severely mentally ill man shot and killed 6 people at a political rally in Tucson Arizona and wounded 14 others. Among the most seriously injured was U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who is still battling to recover from her near fatal wounds. In Arizona, even with all the calls for change, and with so much national attention, the number of beds has decreased by 23% in the last 7 years!

     Now we have this unthinkable massacre in Colorado. Though we do not have a confirmed diagnosis of James Holmes, there is emerging a vast deal of evidence to suggest the basis for his being so disturbed.

     Here, is a 24 year old college student who is highly intelligent, and who graduated high school with honors. He was recently enrolled in a PHD Program for neuroscience, and has been described as a very bright, quiet and pleasant person, but also a loner with no friends. Though there are people who are challenging his intellect, he did stand out academically.  Some of that does draw a comparison to the plight of Dr. John Nash, the brilliant mathematician, whose personal battle with schizophrenia, and academic prowess was chronicled in the movie “A Beautiful Mind.” It must be added that James Holmes is in an age bracket that is a high risk for developing some forms of mental illness. Again, as this case develops, much of what we learn about seems to fall within the symptomology of some form of an emotional disorder.

     Many people are calling James Holmes “evil” and no matter what the cause there is no defense for what he did. His acts were heinous in nature and in the future, he will most likely face the death penalty. I am not giving him an excuse; it is the causation of his acts that we NEED to examine and understand. This is essential to gather insight so in time; we can prevent similar tragedies from occurring. We need to grasp why a seemingly talented young man with unlimited prospects of success, drops out of school, assumes the identity of a comic book character and commits mass murder. It would not be a reach to believe that he developed some cognitive distortion that threw him into such a delusional state, and in time, we will discover what that is.

     Some in the national media are speculating that this young man exhibited no warning signs. That is highly doubtful, as it is more likely that people just did not recognize the signs as they appeared. In June, this student failed a test in his PHD program and soon after dropped out of school. Was he exhibiting signs of psychosis that clouded his mind which contributed to this failure, or did this failure trigger this violent outburst? Since it is known that he was already in the planning stages of this murderous spree, it is most probable that he was already exhibiting signs of emotional disturbances, but many people around him in school would have missed it. The main reason for that is a lack of awareness of the warning signs.

     His family has not commented on this case, except through a family attorney, but hopefully they will in the future. They can be a reliable source for exactly where this young man’s downfall began.

     There is additional information worth adding here. In Colorado, the number of mental health beds has decreased since 2005 by an eye-opening 33%, nearly two and a half times the U.S. average. Again, we still do not have a diagnosis on James Holmes, but if, in fact, he had one, there may have been seriously limited resources of help available for him. Even in his home state of California, which boasts openness and tolerance, while providing for their citizens, they reduced their inpatient beds by 16% during the same time frame. This in spite of a mental health tax put in place several years ago.

     Many of us have learned that the real insanity is not the people who are sick, it is the system! Not surprisingly, the political leaders who can change it are the ones who turn a blind eye to this problem until they can obtain an instant headline out it. It is a system that sits back helplessly while these types of atrocities occur. It is one where kids either jump off bridges or stand in front of moving trains as their only escape from pain, because they cannot find the appropriate treatment. I know as I have written an immense deal about all of these types of tragedies.

     There is a reason for people in the mental health field to become cynical, and the reduction in mental health care is the culprit. Every time a disaster likes this one occurs, politicians rally around people with promises for change. Now they are deflecting from root causes and calling for gun control among other publicity seeking, but visceral solutions. In reality, there is little ambition to correct the broken mental health system. Mainly, because a large percentage of the populace is unaware of just how dire the situation has become.

     Over the next few months our elected officials, like everyone else, will witness the initiative of promised actions for change wane from the public view, and be forgotten. Instead of real solutions, society will again become more infatuated with the talentless and shallow Kardashians, and which one is sleeping with whom while divorcing another. The desire to making positive changes ensuring readily available treatment for people in need will become a forgotten footnote to the general population, until the next tragedy occurs.

     After the Tucson shootings, there was a call for a “National Dialog on Mental illness”, and to date, that has not occurred nor is it likely to in the future. If we sincerely wish to alter the negative trends with those afflicted, increased suicide, increased disability in the workplace, more police encounters and tragedies like this the ones mentioned; many of us have a straightforward answer to everyone. Open your eyes, become more educated, and begin to force our political leaders to make treatment more accessible, and for civil commitment laws to be modernized. Otherwise, history will continue to repeat itself!    

Elyria Police;Suicide by cop...sad, but common

     This past Sunday a tragedy ensued in Elyria, which left a seemingly disturbed man dead and his family asking questions on how it was handled by the local police.

     Though all the facts are not yet known, this much is; On Sunday July 15th, William King called the dispatch center for the city of Elyria and told the dispatcher that he had killed his wife. At that point, the police were notified, and numerous officers were sent out to his residence. Once there, they seem to have attempted to communicate with Mr. King. His response was to exit his home holding a gun to his head.  At some point, he reportedly pointed his weapon at the police and they responded by discharging their weapons and mortally wounding him.

     Within a short time, family members came forward to denounce the Elyria Police Department’s handling of the situation. In fact, in a recent article, his brother Walter King was openly critical of their actions because he felt that since there were at least eight shots fired, the police were fairly aggressive in this approach.  He felt that his brother “didn’t deserve what he got!” He also went on to argue that this was not a suicide by cop.

     There are other critical comments that seemed to be overshadowed here. In the same article, Mr. King admits that his brother “had a little bit of problems,” but he did not elaborate or volunteer what he meant by that. He did go on and acknowledge that William King was a “bit down with his disease,” as he admitted that he suffered from cirrhosis of the liver.

     Though it is strictly conjecture, it would not be a stretch to conclude mental health issues played a role in this tragic death. Mr. King called the police and falsely said he had killed his wife, who it turns out was not even home at the time. He then exited his house with a gun pointed at his head. At this time, the police were witnessing the actions of someone who is “not” thinking clearly and rationally. Additionally, there is little doubt that a disease such as cirrhosis of the liver can dramatically alter your thought process. It is reasonable to believe that anyone suffering from a terminal illness would be particularly prone to depression and morbid thoughts. It must be added, that people with liver disease do at times suffer periods of confusion because their liver cannot dispel toxins properly throughout their body.  Add to this stress the painful symptoms of this illness, and it is little wonder that anyone suffering would have a difficult time keeping themselves from getting desperate.

     Personally, I can understand his brother being angry and wanting to blame the police. I am certain Mr. King was the good person as he described by him. When something catastrophic occurs people want justice and with none in sight, they will at times project some misguided blame. It appears that is what is occurring in this case.

     First and foremost, to say this was not suicide by cop is just not fair to the police officers on the scene. According to a study published in the Journal of Forensic Science, this type of suicide is one that is estimated to occur in over a third of all officer involved shootings that arise in this country. It leaves both the family and the police officers involved shaken and asking themselves if it could have been avoided. Sadly, like many suicides, once the person reaches that level of desperation it is difficult to prevent this lonely and misunderstood death.

     In the past, I suffered from severe mental illness and attempted to end my life, and only dumb luck saved me. Today I spend a vast amount of time working with law enforcement officers, assisting them in dealing with people in similar crises. This work gives me a unique perspective on these challenges. In classroom settings, I encourage police officers to defuse tense situations, but never forget, always to protect themselves first.  My primary goal is get the afflicted person some much needed help, and for the officer to go home safely to their family. 

     Though all the facts are not yet known, there are enough known to draw valid conclusions. Based on what occurred and my experience, I strongly believe that this was a suicide by cop, brought on by his illness. Clear thinking individuals do not call the police with the knowledge that it would result in an aggressive law enforcement response without a clear goal in mind. No one but Mr. King himself knows as to whether he wanted to die or wanted his suffering to end, but his actions spoke volumes.

     Addressing the topic of Mr. King’s brother with regards to the number of shots fired, one thing must be remembered. Once he pointed that weapon all the officers at the scene reacted with the impression that he could have shot at them personally. One thing is clear; Mr. King left these officers no options, but the one they choose.

     I am hoping that in time that his brother and the rest of his family can find peace and understanding about what occurred.  No one on this department wanted this ending. It was just a situation that could not be avoided. This man was suffering with a disease that in its end stage is quite painful and that could have been a contributing factor in this tragic outcome. I also hope the police officers involved can come to the realization and understand that they did nothing wrong. They were only doing their jobs and the outcome was unavoidable.

     The Elyria Police, have proven to me on more the one occasion to be a fine department, striving to do the right thing. This has not always been the case. However, in the past several years, many positive changes have taken place within the department which warrants both recognition and the citizens giving the department “the benefit of the doubt” with situations such as this.  

     The Lorain County Sheriff’s department is investigating this case. Though this department made some crucial mistakes in a tragic circumstance in Lagrange last winter which led to a deputy being wounded by friendly fire, and one man dead, I believe the actions of the Elyria Police will stand on its own merit.

    After reading some comments from the public on this tragedy, I must add a personal observation and hope my point is made clear! William King was not a criminal. William King was a man who was sick. He and his family deserve respect, compassion and sympathy from everyone. For those who have mocked his death, I urge you to remember one thing and never forget it. Anyone can get sick. Anyone can become suicidal. Any one of us could end up attempting to take our own life. If you are one of the fortunate that have never had to experience so much pain that drives you to end their life, I have some advice. Say a prayer of thanks for that blessing each and every day of your life. I know and knew many people who wish they had your good fortune!

Lagrange Tragedy; Lessons learned?

     Recently, the Elyria Police department released the detailed report on the tragedy in Lagrange, that left one man dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a Lorain Sherriff deputy wounded by friendly fire. This event, which occurred on December 12, 2011, was the result of a phone call from the mother of the victim Travis Stidham, who contacted the department to check on the mental well-being of her son, who was in the midst of a possible mental health crisis.

     The report on this case, which has cooled in interest in over six months that have passed since the incident, shed light on what occurred that fateful night. It is a highly detailed illustration of what occurred from every conceivable viewpoint and did not affix blame or display any degree of bias. The Elyria Police should be commended for this investigation.  The errors on this case are numerous, and include all parties involved with this welfare check that went so tragically wrong.

     The tragedy began with the Mother of Stidham calling the Sherriff’s department to check on her son because he was acting in an irrational manner. She informed them that he had possibly shot up his television and killed two of his pets. With the knowledge that he possessed a firearm and that he suffered from mental health issues, the Sherriff deputies rightfully approached the situation with caution. To their credit, the deputies did speak with Travis’s father and now had ample evidence that he suffered from mental health issues.

     According to this report, the deputies set up a perimeter in the area of his home. They also witnessed him speaking with his father and exiting the house on several occasions to smoke. It must be pointed out that his father communicated to the officers that his son was “Off his rocker!” This was a direct reference to his diminishing mental state. At this time, everything though tense, was under control. Sadly, that was soon to change.

     While they encircled Stidham’s home, the deputies tried to make contact with him, but he did not answer the phone. It was at this time that a decision was made to light up the area of the home with the patrol car, and use a load speaker and declare for him to exit the house. These actions set in motion a series of events that not only lead to this man’s death, and the friendly fire wounding of a deputy; but allowed a paranoid, terrified, and psychotic individual with a weapon to be running through a neighborhood.

     At this time, a police helicopter was dispatched from Cleveland, to help locate Stidham. In time they did, and after a brief chase, Travis Stidham put his gun to his head and pulled the trigger.  

     There is no doubt that the need to bring in the helicopter to assist was the correct one, but perhaps it should have never gotten to that point.

     The error in judgment on this case was to try and force him out of his home. Speaking from firsthand experience, a person who is in psychosis suffers a vast deal of paranoia, and that appears to be what occurred here. The lights going on, and the loud speaker would have been construed by a person in crisis as an aggressive move, and in his delusional state, he would have felt threatened. At this time, the afflicted person would have become exceedingly defensive, and with flight being another symptom, running out of the house and firing the gun would have been a response to this action. It must be pointed out that in his home, Stidham was not a threat to anyone but himself.

     Time was on the side of the deputies and time brings about an ending to psychosis. In other words, the best way to manage and de-escalate a situation such as this would have been to back off and wait for the afflicted individual to calm down. Coincidently, that is what the Elyria Police did in a similar standoff about a month later.

     On January 23, of this year, the Elyria Police were called to a home where a man was suicidal and may have possessed a gun. Like Lagrange, they set up a perimeter. The difference being is that rather than force surrender, they waited for the situation to calm, and after three hours, the man excited the home, and he was transported to a local hospital for needed help.

     Crisis Intervention Team training (CIT), which is the holy grail of police training for dealing with people in mental health crisis, encourages de-escalation, and it was followed in the Elyria situation, but not in Lagrange. This situation was the result of an error in judgment, and hopefully people have learned from this. Additionally, the deputies should not bear the entire blame for the actual outcome.

     Coincidently, during a training program that I spoke at, I met and talked with one of the deputies on the scene that night. I found him to be a quality law enforcement officer and more importantly, a good person. I am certain all that were there that night were the same; they just made a grave error in judgment. However, I am equally certain their intentions were genuine, and they aspired to help Stidham.

     Lastly we affix responsibility on the person that clearly was at fault, and it was Stidham himself. There is little doubt that he was not at fault for developing this disease, Schizophrenia, though a significant segment of society seems to believe that. However, it is a cause, not an excuse! It was not his fault for developing the illness, but it became his obligation to work at getting better, staying in treatment, and accepting his affliction.

     It must be added that when the police did enter his home, they did find many pills still in the bottles that were for his condition, but none had been filled in the previous year. In essence, he was not taking the pills that would have prevented this tragedy from occurring.  Additionally, though no remains of his pets were ever discovered, it would have been easy to dispose of them. It also appears that he did indeed fire a bullet through his television set as it had a damaged screen.

     There was a startling comment from this report that bears mentioning. Six or seven months prior to this tragedy, a psychiatrist that was treating him told him “not go shooting anybody”. Once again, this doctor must have had some concern about his patient’s mental state, but with the current laws on the book, there would have been little that could have been done. Here, we have a warning sign of potential trouble, but, unless there was a direct threat, no police intervention was possible until something occurs.

     In the direct aftermath of this shootout, I wrote a column asking questions about the handling of this case. One colorful ignorant comment came from not surprisingly, an anonymous source. He or she said something to the effect, how can you expect the sheriff to train all his officers in dealing with this people like this? That person is somewhat correct; no one should expect proper police training. The citizens should DEMAND complete and updated training for all law enforcement personnel! Nothing less should be accepted!!!   

     The epilogue to the Lagrange tragedy is nothing for anyone to be boastful, nor forgetful. This case, and the ensuing aftermath exposed archaic and ineffective laws, questionable police training, and the inability to learn from mistakes and misjudgments. Sadly, it also proved once again the lack of understanding of the prevalence of mental illness, which gave people a right to consider people like Stidham expendable. This illustrated that, as a society, we are still in the “Neanderthal age of awareness” concerning these disorders. With that limited knowledge, it is understandable that we can still burn that metaphorical cross in the front yards of those afflicted, and have a large segment of the population find glee at mocking the behavior of those stigmatized. Then again, others will just shrug their shoulders and satisfy themselves that they did not witness anything obscene in cases such as this.

     The tragedy in Lagrange gives none of us cause for pride.

It's the Disease Stupid!

     The headline said it all, “Remembering Jessica.” The ensuing story described the sad and tragic circumstances that ended the life of a 16 year old aspiring model, Jessica Fernandez of Vermilion.

     This article went on to describe how this young girl, so full of promise, finally succumbed to the ravages of bipolar disorder, by standing in front of a moving train. This disease is known as a relentless condition that creates unimaginable pain, and is a significant cause of the estimated forty thousand suicides per year in the United States. Suicide, which is known as the silent epidemic, is the third leading cause of death in people between ages 14 and 23.

     In different media outlets, I noticed the inevitable cliques that seem to arise when someone commits this act. One of the most common is “a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” A notable one was one woman blaming this on a reputed “drug culture” at Amherst high school. I find that comment to be totally absurd, as I know that school well and it is a high quality system that has been proactive with students at risk. The most scornful and ignorant statement was from another that said simply, “She choose to end her life!”

     Those comments are typical, but they are not true narrations of what occurred to Jessica Fernandez. The truth of the matter is; She did not choose this illness; she did not decide to be torn apart by its ferocious symptoms and emotional pain that goes with it. She did not want to die. She just gave up the painful battle with a powerful and misunderstood disease! In layman’s terms, it was the illness, nothing more, nothing less!!!

    Her mother, Nancy Fernandez gave an accurate depiction of how this disease emotionally broke this young woman down. She simply said; “I think her will to live was gone.”

     It is true that with the ruthless nature of bipolar disorder, along with the debilitating depression that goes with it, collapses ones desire to strive for a happy existence. Jessica Fernandez did not die a meaningless death; she lost a battle that few people can understand. It is an encounter with an invisible enemy, and because the person has suffered with it alone in silence, others are NOT open to judge her or what she ultimately did.

     When I read the details of her life, it reopened many old and present unhealed wounds, because I also suffer with the same socially unacceptable disease. I thought of the past ten years when I have lived symptom free, and how, like Jessica, we both had to wake up each and every day and do battle with the demons of this illness. The public at large does not understand the challenges that we face, like being an outcast from others because they refuse to accept the psychiatric symptoms of these conditions.

     One myth that needs to be addressed here is that Jessica and others choose to end their lives. Nothing is further from the truth. Suicidal people are in a great deal of pain, and it is pain that seems to be never ending. It brings about extreme and desperate actions to end that suffering. It appears that she tried treatment, and made many efforts at getting better. I can state from a first person point of view that people with suicidal ambitions do not want to die; they just want to have their suffering end. Based on their comments, it appears her parents were also there trying to help her, but they were helpless in their attempts.

     In my case, the suicidal ideation was present, and was part of my battle with this illness for two years prior to my attempts to end my life. Like Jessica, I just did not want to be tortured by the ever present pain. Like her, I was able to hide a much of my depressive moods from others, but it finally won the battle. It was to take a few attempts and forced hospitalizations before I received a proper diagnosis and accepted treatment. The only real difference between her and I was that my treatment worked immediately, and I recovered. Otherwise, I could have certainly suffered the same fate that she did.

     Another issue brought up was her past drug use. It may or may not have been a contributing factor in this final act, but it needs to be addressed. If a person is in need of treatment, and they become so desperate from this suffering, the local drug dealer or liquor store becomes their personal pharmacy. Approximately sixty percent of individuals who suffer from this disorder develop a chemical dependency to add to their already overwhelming burden. Once again, it is the illness!!

     Like Jessica, I would do anything I could think of to feel better, just to be temporarily free of the pain. I recall many times just sitting in the back room and taking numerous Benadryl tablets with straight Gin as a way to numb myself to the emotional agony. Admittedly, I often wonder why I did not consider some street drugs as a way to alleviate that distress that I faced daily. That is commonly referred to as, “Self-Medicating”.

     Mental illness has one unique characteristic that sets it apart from other conditions. It is the only disease that makes the person afflicted feel as if they must apologize just for being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Others look with evil intent and describe us as crazy people, psychos, wacko’s and other derogatory terms. They do not believe that we are people battling a deadly and debilitating disease with formidable roadblocks to overcome. So many of us become ostracized by the ignorant that refuse to recognize the biological nature of these disorders, and that recovery is possible. With the public’s lack of understanding, no matter what we achieve, external validation will normally elude us.    

     Jessica did not commit a sin, nor was her death a selfish act. She just lost a battle, and no one is at fault. In her death, she deserves the same respect and understanding that others experience when they lose a fight with any fatal disease. Do what her mother instructed others to do; “I’d advise parents to keep a strong eye on their kids for drugs or mental illness. You have to treat them properly like we were doing, and hope for the best”.

     I never met Jessica, but because of a bond we share with our mutual affliction, I mourn her loss as a friend as I have done with others that meet this tragic fate. I hope that people who did know her will respond to her memory with a better understanding of what tortured her. I encourage more people to learn to reach out to those in need, not turn their collective backs on people like her and I. A tribute like that will help prevent others from losing their battle. I can envision no greater respect for the memory of her and others who suffer such loneliness and despair.

    Rest in Peace Jessica; many of us are praying for you and your family.     

Gathering Hope House saving people worth saving!

     Soon after the psychological symptoms of mental illness subside, the afflicted individual takes account of the personal devastation in their life. Loved ones, family members and friends now classify that person as simply unfit to belong in their moral universe. With that, a process of exclusion begins to unfold, and the afflicted falls into the malaise of loneliness, segregation and depression. All this becomes an added burden as they struggle to recover, and many times, this leads to a relapse because the necessary support is not present.

     In Lorain County, in a small, nondescript building located just off North Ridge Road; there is a place for these unfortunate individuals to go, and begin the process of recovery. It is a place where dignity is restored, where false hope becomes real hope, and where lives that once seemed destined for an ominous ending can flourish, and individuals can become productive members of society. It is a place aptly named “The Gathering Hope House.”

     There is such a misconception of what recovery from mental illness entails. Conventional wisdom is when a person is diagnosed with an illness; they are handed some pills, and sent out into the world with instructions to get better. Though that is woefully inadequate, it is often the extent of treatment. This facility aims to augment the medication, and encourage the idea that physical, emotional and mental health is all part of the process of recovery.

     The mission of this home is simple, “Recovery Happens.” This objective is accomplished by stressing self efficacy and promoted through volunteering and developing work experiences. Currently, 60 to 80 people seek help there on a daily basis, with most being transported from the NORD center group homes, a local mental health treatment facility in Lorain County. Unfortunately, the census is down slightly because they have lost the services of one of their transport vans. Hopefully, that can be corrected, and more afflicted can develop a productive life at this place of unending hope.

     When someone enters this building, it is difficult to comprehend that this is a mental health facility. On the wall, there is a multicolored sign to greet visitors that simply reads, “Recovery”. At no time will anyone see doctors walking around, or nurses screaming for medication to calm a patient. What the public discovers are that this is a center that is staffed, managed and utilized by “Consumers”; which is a name given to people who have a mental illness and are seeking, or receiving treatment. They have created an environment that is highly successful stressing peer support, and volunteerism as a means of achieving positive goals and outcomes. It is also a place where the clientele can go to have social contact, have coffee with peers and for perhaps the first time in a long time, feel normal.

     To better illustrate the importance of such programs; an old TV show speaks volumes. In the old iconic sitcom, “Cheers, the opening theme song had a verse that said “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” Similarly, at Gathering Hope House, an individual can go where they are not judged by the symptoms of an illness, they are not dehumanized, nor are they ostracized. People are there to offer encouragement to better themselves, and to regain or find the valuable happy lives everyone is entitled to live. With this as a goal, many do succeed.

     As a fellow consumer who suffered many indignities because of an illness, I feel this support is vital in overcoming the stigma of these disorders, which is always a considerable roadblock to recovery. The basis for such a supportive environment begins at the top.

     Traci Jacobs, who suffers from Bipolar Disorder, found herself in need of help. She was on Social Security Disability, and her life was in limbo with little hope for the future. It was at that time that she accepted her illness, and sought help from a private psychiatrist. She knew it would be a long road full of ups and downs, but she was determined to succeed.

     In 2005, shortly after the opening of Gathering Hope House, Traci began there as an intern and volunteer. With the support of this agency and her peers, she began to improve, returned to school, and eventually graduated from Case Western Reserve with a degree in Social Work. This would be a qualified success story in itself, but it does not stop there.

     Today, Traci is the Executive Director of The Gathering Hope House and stands as an example of what is being accomplished in this facility. Thanks to her fellow peers, who helped restore her self-worth and confidence, she has long since left the confines of public assistance. She now contributes a vast amount to society by helping others to achieve success.

     It is easy to understand why there are positive outcomes just by dropping into this center. As a visitor walks through this facility, they are struck by the art work that adorns the walls. It is then that they discover that nearly all of it was created by people seeking a better life at this home. The talent on display is magnificent and shows the tremendous untapped potential of the clientele that are striving to become once again, productive citizens.

     When a stop is made at the cafeteria, the visitor is awe-struck at the layout. It is as if the person is transported back to a 1950’s soda shop. It is such an inspiring design by men and women, to have such a positive environment where they can gather in and share a time of just being “normal”. As with everything else, “consumers” work in the “cafe”, cook and shop for the food that is served. With this, like everything else at this home, many develop future job skills, and most importantly, they can feel a sense of self-improvement. 

The 1950's style cafeteria.

     A short distance from there is a computer lab, and with it, people can find more future job skills training on display. The local department store “Macy’s”, has partnered with this home, to provide computer training for afflicted ones. With this, more men and women can have some of their self-worth restored with the prospects of a job, removing more individuals from public assistance. Macy’s should be lauded for this contribution as it has improved the quality of life for many unfortunate individuals.

The Computer lab. Training provided by Macy's Department store.

 

     As the public continues exploring this home, people can see the art room, the fitness center, and a thrift store where individuals can purchase slightly used clothing. Again, consumers manage these different programs, and the proceeds go to fund other activities. 

The Thrift Shop.

 

     This facility has educational programs where people can get their GED’s, because these illnesses have limited the lives of many; some have never finished high school. The individuals participate in groups with their main focus is on recovery and betterment. This is an essential component in the recovery process, as this can lead to increased likelihood of securing employment. After which, there is an added benefit, because many men and women like the director Traci Jacobs, go on to college and earn degrees. All because of peer support, which helps restore an individual’s dignity.

     Carol H, another consumer, is another example that recovery is possible and that mental illness is not a death sentence. At one time, she suffered the debilitating effects of agoraphobia, a condition which inhibits the ability of the afflicted one to leave their own home. With the support of her family, she did seek help and slowly began to get better. In time, she volunteered at the NORD center, earned a job, and today is coordinator of the Recovery Center at the Gathering Hope House. Here, again, is another person who had the courage to face her illness, leave Social Security Disability, and is now making a valuable contribution both clinically and financially to the community.

     To establish the confidence that this center has in the afflicted one’s ability to recover, the ultimate goal is to have 51% of the board of Gathering Hope House to be consumers themselves. That can fuel even more positive outcomes for people who can now aim to become leaders in the community, and it starts right in that facility.

     As previously mentioned, a barrier that individuals face when diagnosed with a mental illness is the stigma associated with it. People are defined by the general public as bipolar, schizophrenics, or mental’s, which is police vernacular for people with mental illness, not as men and women in need of treatment.  When they enter the doors of this facility, they are known as people, not a conglomeration of symptoms. Traci Jacobs insists that people “Save the Labels for the jars, not the people” and with this; they enter a realm of acceptance and hope.

     From personal experience, I can attest to the belief that after mental illness devastates your life, the person losses hope. They find the road to recovery covered with a dreary hopelessness that never ends. The Gathering Hope House restores that lost dream of a happy, fulfilling life. In the critically acclaimed movie, “The Shawshank Redemption”, there was a powerful scene discussing this very subject. It was said; “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” At this center, hope is the hallmark of their mission, and with that, lives can be restored.

     We live in a time that the concept of heroism has become convoluted. Athletes, who excel on the playing fields, are idolized as false prophets. If people are searching for true heroes, individuals who have the proper fortitude to overcome challenges, a visit to this center will show them what courage is all about. They are men and woman who have struggled against illnesses and after defeating their affliction, stand arm and arm with those that still walk the treacherous road between wellness and sickness. They are generous, they are empathetic, and they have become true difference makers.

     In conclusion, Lorain County has a gem to be proud of. They have programs and a center that is a true investment in people, and it pays a substantial dividend. It brings people from the brink of desperation, back to life. It takes people off public assistance and allows them to contribute in a positive manner to their community. They do something so rare in these times of government scandals and such; they use their resources to save lives. No one can dispute the significance of that contribution!

     I must add a request. This center is in dire need of a van for transportation and here is an appeal to the community. If anyone can find a way to donate for this important part of their mission, which is transportation, please contact Traci Jacobs. I know many people will appreciate it, especially those whose lives will be enriched by it!

Mike Wallace and Me; Depression, Suicide and Survival!

     This past weekend marked the end of an era and a life, Mike Wallace, the long time 60 Minutes correspondent passed away at the age of 93. It is ironic that I can share a commonality with this man, though, not as a writer. He was a famous, award winning journalist, and I am, and will always be, just an amateur writer without delusions that I can achieve his greatness. In fact, he and I are from nearly opposite sides of the political spectrum, as I am more in line with his son Chris, a Fox news commentator, so politics is not the corresponding ground.  No, that is not what we shared; it was a disease, and one that nearly killed both of us!

    It is difficult for many to learn that mental illness is non-discriminatory and that it can affect someone at any age. When the public listens to such a respected and apparently healthy man talk about hitting the “dark malaise”, and trying to end their life as Mike Wallace once did, many will take notice. He once spoke in front a congressional committee to argue for more funds for research of depression, so he put his name on contributing to help other people who were suffering. Those arguments continue to this very day, and it is a battle we are losing.

     It was prior to being diagnosed, and with ever increasing hopelessness that Mr. Wallace decided to attempt to end his life with pills, and even left a note. Fortunately, his wife found him and his life was saved. Not many years after that, I did a similar action on two occasions, as it became the only solution to ending the silent, and powerful, emotional pain. Like Mr. Wallace, my life was saved, but it eventually led to some life altering experiences. Again, we shared the miraculous intervention of someone saving our own lives, and we both decided to reach out to other similarly afflicted with such clouded thoughts.

     The public has so many misconceptions and false fears about mental illness. The ignorance displayed in the form of stigmatizing those afflicted is an issue devilishly difficult to overcome, but Mike Wallace did just that. He interviewed and challenged some of the most powerful and treacherous leaders in the world, and always did it with dignity and intellect. Because of his work and not letting his affliction stand in the way, the journey of recovery became just a little easier for people who followed him.

     To better illustrate, many will find it incredible that in spite of battling a mental illness, and of surviving a suicide attempt, he was to go on and win many awards and the respect of many people. His final award was presented to him just four years ago at the age of 89. This was quite an accomplishment for someone with an illness that a percentage of the population still considers a character flaw, or a weakness. No one will ever accuse Mike Wallace of being weak emotionally, being of limited intellect and most importantly, that he ever possessed a flawed character.

    With my work in mental health, I have met several prominent individuals, though I never met Mike Wallace. However, in most of my talks, I did consider him up as a positive example, one who overcame mental illness and exceeded at life. If I had met him, I would have liked to sit down over a beer and discus not what I could do to improve as a writer, but a subject more momentous. I would have compared notes on what it was like to eventually recover, and how it felt for him to stand up as such a courageous role model which helped many people suffering in silence. I would have liked to ask him what more people like us could do to create more insight and understanding to the general public? What more can we do to assist people who continue to suffer in a prison of silence like he and I experienced?

     Mike Wallace will be remembered for his contributions to journalism and all the awards he deservedly won. However, his having the courage to admit he suffered from a mental illness and tried to kill himself will undoubtedly contribute too many frightened individuals deciding to get help and prevent more tragedies. His speaking out to let people know not to suffer in silence and to get help has saved lives. That contribution to humanity, though never quantified, will have an even greater impact than much of his work as a journalist!

     Rest in peace, and thank you Mike Wallace, the world is a better place because of you!