Treat mental illness

Untreated mental illness is a tragedy for individuals and families and can result in tragedy for a community and a nation. This weekend's infinitely sad shooting of a young child, a judge, a congresswoman and many others is most likely the result of untreated or inadequately treated mental illness.

Jared Loughner's writings are the product of a mind stricken with mental illness, a biological and treatable brain disorder which causes paranoid and disorganized thoughts. His friends and teachers noticed that his behavior and way of relating to others were odd and made them uncomfortable. I wonder if he sought treatment; if anyone encouraged him to seek treatment; or if anyone considered admitting him to treatment without his consent.

The right medication and therapy at the right time can reduce or eliminate the paranoid and disorganized thinking, and with the support of professionals and peers, people like Loughner can live productive and non-violent lives. In fact, people with mental illness are much more likely to be the victims of violence, not the perpetrators.

We must do a better job of informing people about mental illness and about treatment options. We must make the treatment of mental illness a priority. Yes, treatment costs money. Health care of any kind is not free, but how can a price be placed on the lives lost on Saturday?

RAMONA JOHNSON

President/CEO

Bridgehaven Mental

Health Services

Louisville 40205

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