Above the Rising Waters

Few things have changed over time with our health care or mental health systems
in our country. Reaction in lieu of prevention continues to plaque us as we deal
(or not) with the mentally ill, as well as most recently, Ebola. There have been other
viruses invading our country for years now, yet our government agencies continue
to wait until we are in a crisis before acting or should I say attempting to do so.

All one has to do each day is look out the window onto most city streets to see our mentally ill
citizens wandering around aimlessly,  looking for money or a meal. Many of these
poor souls are veterans who are war engulfed still in battles we shall never know.
Years ago we abandoned them and preventive measures in favor of current systems
continuing to fail the great majority.

At the bottom of the service chain are the nurses, case workers, clerks and teachers who
man and woman the front lines in dealing with both of these issues. Underpaid, overworked
and not at all well equipped... they compassionately attempt to deal with those afflicted...
while those above them remain blissfully unaware until the waters rise above flood stage.
























Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor License #MH9166 Phone: 386.747.7148 http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/61944