12/12/2025
I AM IN THE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM
By Lach Y.
I have been in the mental health system since 1995, and I take meds. Psychiatric medication has been around since the 1950’s when there was an “epidemic” of mental illness, and people would be committed for long-term.
I have substitute-judgement status, which means I am required by law to take my medication. I am handed pills in the morning and in the evening, and am administered an injection once-a-month. After being homeless for a couple years, when I was still working intermittent jobs and using day program to work on my personal research, art, and music projects, I moved back into a group home, where I am today.
At day-program, there are in a back corner two large binders, featuring dozens of people of all ages who attended the club over the past decade or two, who are now deceased.
When you take medication, there are usually mental and physical side-effects, so I am health-conscious. I believe the primary rule of good health is mind-body-soul awareness. So, there is diet and exercise, but one thing is they say “The word nutriates the soul”. The word can be found on paper. 3 times a week, I write and print up news articles to distribute at program and housing. I also print and distribute academics in History, Science, English (like essay writing or grammar) and in particular, Astronomy.
I have a case in court to add herbal therapy, nutrition coaching, reichi, acupuncture, or maybe other therapies under the heading of “Integrated healing” to my treatment plan, all which are provided at the natural wellness centers in my community. Then maybe I can come down off meds.
Wish me luck.
-Lach Y
