posted on July 19, 2002 01:51:02 PM new
Mental Illness is a thorn in my side! you see, I have a son who is mentally ill. Not criminally mentally ill, but ill just the same. He is 30 years old. He is not severely mentally ill, and can work. He is a hard worker. But guess what? No One will hire him. No one will rent to him either. So, he lives with us, and draws social security. Guess who pays his wages? You and I. Someone in the post "Another Sad Case" said mentally ill people need treatment, locked up, blah blah blah. Well, if you can get someone to get treatment for my son, I would give just about anything I have in return! The story is a very long one, so I will try to make it short. He has had problems all his life. At the age of 18 he was diagnosed "almost slightly retarded" huh???? How can you be "almost slightly"? Either you are or you aren't. He also had a serious bike accident at the age 15. Got beat by a gang at the age of 20. In the midst, got involved in drugs BECAUSE it was the only place he felt accepted. (no, I am not making excuses for him) Is NOT on drugs now. But, everywhere we have taken him for help blames his entire lifes problems on drugs. I cant get them to see that he had problems BEFORE that. I have had him from one end of this state to the other, and cannot get anywhere. So, here is what COULD happen (not justifying anything that other people have done, criminally, though) Picture this: no job. no apartment. no firends. we die. where does he go? what does he do? And that's if he doesn't blow before hand. I am scared for him. I worry about him now, but what about when he has NO ONE? Any advice?
posted on July 19, 2002 01:56:28 PM new"Someone in the post "Another Sad Case" said mentally ill people need treatment, locked up, blah blah blah."
I suspect that the person who wrote that was talking about violent sex offenders.
I suggest that your son move to a different area or state. My sister is severally mentally ill, takes meds, and is on Social Security, but she rents her own apartment through a low-income housing program.
Depending upon the type of mental illness suffered by your son, most employers these days understand that many people have brain disorders and are no different than you or me. Maybe a change of scenery for your son would get him that job? If not, why not teach him how to become rich and famous on eBay as a Power Seller?
posted on July 19, 2002 02:20:49 PM new
If your son has been wrongly discriminated against in housing or employment, you should consult an advocacy group for the mentally ill. This group should also help out with finding housing and employment.
If your state or area doesn't have such a group, perhaps you could consult with a national group and start an advocacy group in your area. These groups are essential in fighting discrimination and effecting legislation benefiting the mentally ill.
You will also find others in the same situation as yourself to share information resources with.
posted on July 19, 2002 02:24:00 PM new
There is low income housing in wausaukee wi
and I said that one because everything is in walking distance stores gas etc
posted on July 19, 2002 03:50:03 PM new
no one will rent to him or hire him because he has a third degree felony. It involves illegal sexual contact. The girl consents, but is too young (not 18, He gets arrested, goes to jail, she goes scot free.)to consent if you get the drift. He functions at the 15 year old level, not the 30 yr old level, and this all happened when he was 20, which means he was mentally about 13 or so. I dont think he is being discriminated against due to his illness, but because of the "record" no one will give him a chance. He is pretty discouraged, as are the rest of the family. It's pretty easy to just give up! I have made contact with the STATE mental health people, though, still waiting to hear back...
posted on July 19, 2002 04:36:40 PM new
Much of it depends on his outlook. Have him help you with eBay sales. He can work at his own pace and that will help him build self-esteem. Many of us have disabilities, including depression, mental illness, and Gravid is fat. <g>
When he goes to a job interview, instead of "mentally ill" he can tell people he ran his own online mail-order business. He may just need help taking the first step.
