Necessary Supports For Loved Ones With A Mental Illness.

To the editor: On behalf of many of us including myself, we are struggling to navigate the challenges of mental illness in our families (one in four of us has some form of mental illness). It's so difficult to navigate through so many challenges, and shortcomings, especially now with many possible cutbacks, and closings of facilities, the decrease of social workers, doctors, nurses, and of psychiatrists.

Over the years, our family member has struggled so much. It's such a helpless feeling not to be able to help, nor, to be able to get adequate support. I have knocked on multiple doors, but only to find them closed. I however need to mention the undying support of our police, firemen, EMTs, medical staff at NCH, and so many Nantucket citizens who alert us if they are concerned for the welfare of our family member.

It is horrifying to think that a mentally ill family member could lose his/her home due to mental illness and be sent to the streets. Just imagine it being you or someone you love.

If I were to be asked how I'd like Nantucket to assist mentally ill folk, I do have some suggestions:

1. Don't give up on them. This is where they live, and "someone else" cannot take over "our" problems.
2. Each case is individual. If medical support is needed, provide it. See that he/she gets it.
3. If the individual needs help with paperwork, bills, etc, provide it. Grocery shopping and other life skills might require assistance.
4. Many of these local folks could have a place they feel safe to go to to hang out.

It's been a long 30 years to get the necessary support for our loved one. It's better, but there is a long way to go. I challenge Nantucket to take care of all her citizens. The big problem as I see it, there is no money in mental health care. Can we place humanity above money, and care for all our ill?

There are many fundraisers on this rock. Perhaps we all need to pull together to come up with more suggestions in this category?

My dad liked Norman Vincent Peal, and his "power of positive thinking." I'll continue to try to keep this in mind. Thank you for your time and attention to this unkind illness.

Jacqueline Edwards