The Family Room — Families Struggling with Mental Illness

Today is Blog Action Day. Blogs around the world will be touching on one topic – poverty.

Poverty is a serious issue for our loved ones with a mental illness. Many of our loved ones are homeless or in less than adequate housing because they have little or no income. Even many who are in recovery are destined to poverty because of their illness.

Our son has not been able to hold a job for longer than five months. He has also been turned down for disability payments. The process of appeal is so complicated and lengthy, he can’t see his way through it. He gets a few odd jobs, qualifies for Medicaid, food stamps, and a few other benefits. Were it not for the fact that he’s able to live with family, he’d once again be living in his car.

A friend’s daughter receives less than $900 a month. She also qualifies for Medicaid. It took her two years to get into subsidized housing for those with a mental illness. She hasn’t been fully stable in several years and needs constant help.

A neighbor would like to get a job. She’s been stable on her medication for more than five years. If she gets a job, she will no longer qualify for county mental health treatment. She would be forced to travel 50 miles one way for her necessary treatment. She can’t afford the gas, she can’t afford a private doctor, and she could lose the job anyway for taking so much time off from work. Her income – $750 a month.

One of the reasons for the fact of poverty is those with mental illness rarely can handle a typical 9 to 5 job. Medication schedules may cause them to sleep late in the morning. Doctor appointments may be once a week. Public transportation is inadequate for such working hours. Few, if any, employers offer a flexible schedule.

Although covered under the American with Disablities Act (ADA), few employers are aware of someone’s mental disorder. Those with mental illness are reluctant to mention it because of negative impression, employers automatically think the worst — “What if this person ‘goes postal’ and shoots up the place?”

What can be done to eliminate this group’s poverty?

1. Fight stigma. Stand up with your loved one against the false notions surrounding mental illness.

2. Educate the business community about mental illness and the ADA.

3. Work for adequate housing for those with mental illness at an affordable price.

4. Work for public transportation that meets the needs of all who can’t afford, or are unable, to drive.

This is one poverty-striken group that can be eliminated with a little help from all our friends.

Jesus said when we help the least, we help Him. What are you doing to help?