Ways to prevent repeat of tragedy

There are several things we can do to prevent another tragedy such as this one (at NIU).

The first is to recognize people develop severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, severe depression and severe bipolar disorders through no fault of their own.

Such illnesses have a physiological basis and respond to medication.

If people with severe mental illnesses did not feel they had to hide their condition because of the stigma and misunderstanding, they would be more inclined to ask for help when they are suffering symptoms.

Second, more research into the yet largely unknown causes of mental illness is needed. Our current treatment medications work, but they have side effects that make them hard to continue over long periods that chronic mental illness requires.

If we understood the causes of the severe mental illnesses, better medications would likely result.

Third, people with these illnesses need accessible treatment and recovery services. These services are in short supply, even for those who can pay for them, when it comes to inpatient treatment.

People with limited incomes and those without insurance must rely on our poorly public-privately funded mental health services. The State of Illinois received an "F" grade for its mental health system in the most recent national survey by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

In the Elgin area, as a result of flat funding of mental health services, the availability of services is actually shrinking.

Those who treat severe mental illnesses know medications, hospitalization, case management, counseling and recovery services work.

They control or alleviate symptoms of mental illness and save lives.

Karen Beyer

Executive Director

Ecker Center for Mental Health, Elgin