Hi befuddled2

Well i am giving you my UK version of this, but i guess its pretty much the same the world over.

The saddest and most obvious problem with mental health care is
1. the sufferer is unwell, confused, debilitated, anxious, isolated and desperate for a cure,
2. the health professionals [not all i hasten to add] are usually healthy, logical, in control, mindful and hyper alert, probably to busy to be anxious, Specialists in their field, and try to fit each individual into a text book pigeon hole, [whoops cynical me]

When patient and doctor can be given a level playing field,,,,mental health care may improve,

I have often seen doctors who barely look at you whilst writing their notes down, offer little or no bed side manner, and strangely enough for such a sensitive medical spectrum, have little or no...EMPATHY.

In the USA it may be better, but then you pay hard cash for a the understanding you may or may not receive.

PATCH ADAMS got it spot on.....treat people with care kindness, understanding and humour....and it would go along way in stripping the taboo of mental health

and it may also help the patient. Kindness goes along way in health care

far further than egotistical patronising arrogance that a lot in this medical field suffer from.

Rant over good luck in trying to shape the future even if its just your county health care system [from acorns to oak trees i say loudly]

David