To: President Donald Trump, The Louisiana State House, The Louisiana State Senate, Governor John Bel Edwards, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate
Mental Health Story
Victory! The creator of this petition declared the campaign a success. You can still sign the petition to show support.
I developed a diagnosed case of H1N1 influenza 2-1/2 hears ago. I had no improvement after eight days and contacted my primary care physician. He prescribed the antibiotic Levaquin, in the strongest dosage allowed. Within five minutes of taking the first and only dose, I suffered an extreme reaction to the drug. I experienced severe burning in my mouth/throat, accompanied by numerous bleeding mouth ulcers, and burning from my esophagus to my stomach, along with a swollen face and tongue. Levaquin has a "black box warning" issued by the FDA, which I was not informed of by either my treating physician or the pharmacist. After a year of seeing almost every specialist in the Baton Rouge area, they were no closer to diagnosing my problems. I should note that I lost 15 lbs. in just over a month (which puts me at about 95 lbs., where I've remained).
One year later (2013), I am 61, suicidal, and struggle every single day to make sense of the dilemma I find myself. I spent six days in a mental hospital, which was a farce. For instance, our "occupational therapy" consisted of singing karaoke. I saw the in-house psychiatrist twice for no longer than ten minutes. The total for this hospital stay and "treatment" was well over $16,000.
I am soon to be 62, an intelligent and educated woman who has worked for over 40 years and supported myself and my two daughters and never dreamed of public assistance. I was coerced into retirement last June because of my continuing physical/emotional problems. I obviously was not planning on retirement this soon, so my retirement savings now has to be tapped sooner than anticipated, which in turn leads to more stress/depression. It's a vicious cycle.
My point is that the whole mental health system in this country is not being taken seriously, and these issues MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY, and real-time solutions must be implemented.
I am a very kind and considerate woman who is perplexed and embarrassed at being treated as a pariah by both my family and friends. Our segment of society needs compassion and resources so that we may become productive citizens once again.
Please consider signing my petition and persuade Congress and State legislatures to take measures to overhaul the almost non-existent mental health system that is pervasive throughout this country. Our veterans are taking their lives because of inadequate care and counseling, and our young people and everyday citizens who are struggling with everyday life are desperate for solutions.
I BEG YOU TO SIGN THE PETITION URGING YOUR LEGISLATORS TO OVERHAUL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
My sincerest apologies for the length of my petition, but felt it necessary to convey my thoughts and frustrations.
Thank you.
Therese Addington
.
One year later (2013), I am 61, suicidal, and struggle every single day to make sense of the dilemma I find myself. I spent six days in a mental hospital, which was a farce. For instance, our "occupational therapy" consisted of singing karaoke. I saw the in-house psychiatrist twice for no longer than ten minutes. The total for this hospital stay and "treatment" was well over $16,000.
I am soon to be 62, an intelligent and educated woman who has worked for over 40 years and supported myself and my two daughters and never dreamed of public assistance. I was coerced into retirement last June because of my continuing physical/emotional problems. I obviously was not planning on retirement this soon, so my retirement savings now has to be tapped sooner than anticipated, which in turn leads to more stress/depression. It's a vicious cycle.
My point is that the whole mental health system in this country is not being taken seriously, and these issues MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY, and real-time solutions must be implemented.
I am a very kind and considerate woman who is perplexed and embarrassed at being treated as a pariah by both my family and friends. Our segment of society needs compassion and resources so that we may become productive citizens once again.
Please consider signing my petition and persuade Congress and State legislatures to take measures to overhaul the almost non-existent mental health system that is pervasive throughout this country. Our veterans are taking their lives because of inadequate care and counseling, and our young people and everyday citizens who are struggling with everyday life are desperate for solutions.
I BEG YOU TO SIGN THE PETITION URGING YOUR LEGISLATORS TO OVERHAUL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
My sincerest apologies for the length of my petition, but felt it necessary to convey my thoughts and frustrations.
Thank you.
Therese Addington
.
Why is this important?
I am a victim of a serious mental health crisis that I have absolutely no control over and very few resources available to assist me.