My Place in the Resistance

Finding my place...

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the absolute breakdown of both the civil and criminal mental health systems in our state, and the country at large.  Although there has been an increase in awareness and a reduction in stigma, the absolute lack of capacity to treat those in acute mental health crisis is appalling.

For someone who wants to do everything, it can be hard for me to find my "place in the resistance."  I strive to use my resources wisely- being active in the greater debates of our time can be hard on a working mom running a business. That said, I think it is important that we model active social engagement for our kids, co-workers, and community.

So, for now, my place is firmly in the law - defending people on a person to person basis, and trying to get them to the medical care that they need as soon as possible.  This doesn't mean that I don't get involved in wider policy issues, it just means that I need to spend the bulk of my time helping individuals.

Where do you belong?

I encourage each of you to take a look at where your own "place in the resistance" is during this start to 2019.  Our friends, families, co-workers, and sometime we ourselves, need fierce advocates for positive change in the whole mental health system- how can you advocate today?

Start by getting involved in a group like NAMI Colorado (namicolorado.org) or keeping up on the lawsuit against the Colorado State Mental Health Hospital in the federal courts.  If you want more ideas for outreach- let us know, we are always happy to help you get involved!