A lesson in futility...

Today we admitted a patient who has been on the unit many times and never seems to make progress. Why was he discharged in the first place? Because, unfortunately, a person must make the same mistakes numerous times before receiving the proper treatment they need and deserve.

I am so angry at the mental health system. I knew I hated it before, but this just never ends. People are released and taken back, not equipped with the proper medications, guidance, or facilities to reach their unattainable goals. Day after day I witness this and feel as though I am swabbing the deck of the Titanic while it sinks into the ocean.

My greatest fear is not to be swept beneath the crashing waves with the ship... that's what a good crew member must be willing to risk. No, my fear is that one day I or somebody I love may require psychiatric treatment. Is this how they will be treated? The stigma of mental illness is one thing. However, the incompetency and lack of oversight into the care of the patients is something I will not tolerate.

Am I supposed to cave in? After putting in years of service, am I supposed to become jaded to the notion that these people simply will never receive the care they need? Why can a person who requires the strict monitoring that a long-term locked residential facility provides not receive those services? And why are individuals with moderate to severe mental retardation sent to a psychiatric hospital? Is it our job to cure behavioral problems and alter personalities, because that is impossible to do. All that ends up occurring are the patients become drugged up to the point where they can no longer be a threat to themselves or others. Who is being serviced in such treatment? Nobody.

If the hospital I work for was a "for profit" organization, my feelings would be much different. However, the fact that this hospital offers financial assistance for patients to receive the wrong care does not make the situation any better. All that means is that the staff get paid less and the quality of care diminishes proportionately.

I am but one person. What can I do?

God, if there is one out there... what can be done? Is anything even supposed to be done about this? Am I the one in the wrong here? Please, grant me the clarity of thought to know what it is I need to do...

Love,
David

P.S. I can take my girl out for a drink and a movie... and that's what I'll do.

P.P.S. I am currently giving quite a lot of careful consideration to applying to MSU's School Psychology program. It sounds interesting and, as you can see, one of my life goals on my Facebook profile is (and I quote):

"Get a Master's degree in a field I'm interested in."