By Tom Slayton

“(HOST) For commentator Tom Slayton, the debate about mental health care cuts in the state budget isn’t academic – it’s personal.

(SLAYTON) A close relative of mine — let’s call him Paul; that’s not his name – has been afflicted with schizophrenia since the age of 19. He is now in his 60s, and his life, even with government and family assistance, has not been easy or pleasant.

A few years ago, Paul lost the stable living situation he had enjoyed for more than 20 years. He went off his medication – not an uncommon experience for mentally ill people under stress – and became unmanageable. Shortly after that, he became homeless…”

Source: vpr.net, March 10, 2010

Full story: Slayton: Mental Health Cuts

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