Mary- yes, now I see where you are coming from. I do agree with you that mental illness is greatly misunderstood, just like epilepsy is... it is too bad that so many people that need to be treated for their mental illness are not treated or undertreated. Some do not have an understanding wife or family. If a person is being treated for their mental illness and sticks with the treatment, they have a chance of living a normal life, but if they fall to the wayside or get lost somewhere in the cracks, they might have a relapse and have to start all over again. I know about Community Mental Health. I know they are there 24/7 and will be there for people. They are a godsend for some people who would have nowhere to go. There are also other agencies that work closely with CMH in each community that act as a half-way house for people that don't have a home that is safe to go home to.
We all hear stories of people who are criminals that are untreated schizophrenics and depressed, etc, etc.. but for the most part, anyone that works in mental health will tell you that mental illness does not = violence.
The problem is when millions of Americans do not have health coverage and can't afford to go to the doctor. They are caught in the middle. You have to have a great job or be poor to have health coverage. I have relatives that can't afford the premiums because they are self-employed. They couldn't put food on the table if they paid what the insurance companies were asking for monthly coverage. My favorite uncle needs meds for his diabetes, liver disease and depression but because he is self-employed he is struggling to pay the premiums for insurance. What a life! Even I get depressed thinking about it!! Perhaps Randy was thinking about the number of people that do not get their medication that turn to crime to vent their anger at this inefficient system.
Anyway, I'm being longwinded about the whole thing, more venting too... Glenda