Mental health

I am remembering my own family’s pain as I read “Keeping it secret is the tragedy of a family mental health crisis” (The Capital, May 6). While I appreciate your intent to get information to those struggling with addiction and mental health, you are missing a major factor and blaming families.

First, I do not condone Donald Bucalo’s actions (The Capital, May 5). I do have compassion. Most have no idea what this family most likely faced as they sought out help at every one of those agencies or similar agencies across Maryland.

Maryland is one of five states that does not allow for involuntary treatment for psychiatric illness or addiction.

We rely on a mentally ill adult to make the decision that they are in crisis and need treatment.

It is not the family who knows the mentally ill person that partakes in the decisions. We are entirely dependent on others to decide what is a crisis. Strangers. This includes doctors who may be meeting our loved one for the first time in an emergency room, or the police officer court-ordered to take our loved one to the hospital because they’ve threatened harm to themselves and/or others.

One of the first things a desperate family learns is addicts are liars. Combine lying and addiction with any other mental illness, such as bipolar, depression, borderline personality disorder, or a combination, and you have the makings for another crisis.

Imagine the pain when we don’t suffer in silence and are met with professionals who can’t help and point to the law.

Maryland is also one of three states that have no law for allowing commitment for outpatient care. In fact, Maryland receives the lowest score in “An Analysis of U.S. Psychiatric Treatment Laws” by the Treatment Advocacy Center.

Please don’t assume families don’t speak up, seek help or do enough. The pain we endure is unbearable because of this insidious law. I’ve lobbied my reps to follow other state laws and make a change so that no other family has to lose a loved one.

Felicia Barlow Clar, Annapolis