Lack of funding causing hardship

Re: “Mental illness and compassion” (Letters, Jan. 20) and “Mental illness bias remains” (Letters, Jan. 17)

I am deeply moved by Carol Murgatroyd’s letter in response to mine.

I understand the frustration of not having “cures” for mental illnesses. At best, medications can control symptoms, but often there are severe side effects.

My sister, who has been suffering for over 20 years, once attempted suicide. Fortunately she informed us, and we were able to reach the hospital in the nick of time.

I remember sitting by her side as she went through a series of detoxification steps. There was nothing more I wished for than to see her back on her feet. Today, when I speak to her, I see that she carries a glimmer of hope for a complete recovery.

It is this hope that propels my motivation for research in this field. Like many of my fellow researchers at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, this is my life goal.

Meanwhile, the lack of funding for valuable resources causes immense hardship to those suffering from mental illness and their families, here and elsewhere (my sister is in India). This must be remedied.

As well, if we as a society can move away from the rampant stigmatization around mental illness, we can contribute to significantly alleviate the lifelong anguish for those who are affected. Sarojini M. Sengupta, LaSalle