Betty, I'd agree with you except for the fact that the person involved chose
to show her dissatisfaction in a very dangerous way.  It was very dangerous
and not only could have cost her her own life but that of others.  I am
sorry but in this case, I feel the right of society must outweigh that of
the individual.  That is why we have laws, to protect society at large, and
those of individuals.  Can you tell me it's OK to kill someone just because
they feel frustrated?  I think not.

If after an evaluation, medication was not indicated, and then was forced on
her, that's one thing.  Merely suggesting medication is another.  Medication
is very helpful in cases of depression, and I cannot help but think trying
to kill oneself is a cry for help with depression.

Kat


----- Original Message -----
From: "Betty B" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2002 1:41 PM
Subject: Re: Attendant Woes


> See, that's what we need -- balance.  I think we have good balance here,
what
> with me thinking that people have a right to decide whether they want to
go
> to a hair appointment, and you thinking that psychotropic medication is
the
> best answer for somebody not wanting to be dragged forcibly out of their
home
> against their will.
>
> I say it that way, Anthony, because there actually are -- you're not going
to
> believe this -- some people who like being dragged around either
physically
> or psychologically for weird and masochistic reasons that I, not being a
> mental health professionally, do not fully understand.
>
> Thank you...no, really.  I mean it.  And I thank Andy Sipowitz.  I love
that
> man.
>
> In a message dated 1/27/2002 11:05:34 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
>
> > I don't know what's so dangerous about this advice, when medicating
people
> > not only helps them but it also benefits the people around them too.
I'm
> > not suggesting that we should start putting crazy people in comas since
> > they're a danger to themselves and others, but we can medicate them
> > somewhat
> > to allow them to live happier and more functionable lives.  I think that
> > you
> > don't want to go to Mcdonald's and be helped by a person with a mental
> > illness who wasn't taking their medicine because they could be hiding a
gun
> > under the counter and make you their subjuct.
> >
> > Anthony
> >