Getting his life together

Back in early summer I was hanging around the local medical clinic waiting for my lovely wife. A guy I knew from way back was waiting to see the doctor. This guy had some ups and downs. Generally a nice guy but with serious mental health issues. Once he tried to take the commander of the local National Guard hostage. There was a big standoff with the police. The guy ended up jumping in the river to try to escape and had to be rescued by the fire department.

Due to his disturbed mental state, he never served any prison time, but he was under serious medical supervision. Since then he's been pretty heavily medicated and living on public assistance. When I saw him in the waiting room he was encouraged. They'd sorted out his meds and he said he was feeling normal for the first time in decades. He told me he was going to get his life together.

Recently I ran into him at the gas station. He looked great. He was working at an electronics place a few towns over and had just gotten a promotion to shift supervisor. He was driving a newer car that he just bought. He reminded me about our conversation in the waiting room. The guy really did mange to get his life back together and was feeling good again.

Mental health is no joke. My friend's mental health issues caused problems for him and his loved ones for many years. I believe it's a serious problem that doesn't get the attention it needs. A lot of people are suffering. Our medical system is pretty messed up and the mental health segment is the most neglected. There are times when I think our mental health system is a total crap shoot. Throw drugs at the problem and hope something sticks.

Maybe part of the problem is that we are living in a crazy world?

At any rate, I'm glad that guy is doing well. Hope he holds it together. He's just lucky he wasn't shot or drowned in the river years ago.

-Sixbears