LE has mentioned that they do not believe this incident is criminal in nature and at this point, that has not changed, as I'm sure the public would have been updated if there was any change. They are "concerned for his well being" - generally that can be a harmless statement, but most often times, its code word for "they are concerned for his mental well being".
Mental illness is more often than not shrouded in secrecy when portrayed in the media. Often times the family will not want any of that revealed. So they stick to the basics and offer no other info. This is what feeds the stigma of mental illness. This is what deters people (including LE) from putting in some elbow grease to find these kinds of missing people because "they left on their own accord". Rather than there being evidence that they were taken against their will, which would give the situation more urgency IMHO. Conversely, you may find those who are mentally ill, and who go missing, portrayed as "he/she requires medication". etc, and they offer up the bare minimum to let people know that there is an illness of some sort that afflicts this missing person. But often times, you won't hear "They committed suicide". Now - SOMETIMES you will. But not often. You'll hear "the investigation is closed" or "no foul play suspected". It's the same as our transit system. "Injury at track level" - usually a suicide. You never used to hear that. You just heard "There are delays on Bloor/Danforth or "Yonge/University". They would be very vague.
They do this so that anyone in the general public is not "triggered".
Hey, I appreciate what you're trying to say, but fair warning, you've gone and rattled my cage here. Lol... I know a little bit about mental illness.
(This may be lengthy.)
The last 15 years of my nursing career I worked as an RN on an acute adult in-patient, locked psychiatric unit of a large general hospital.
The last 7 of those years I was the Charge Nurse, working directly with the hospital psychiatrists, and supervising other RNs and ancillary staff.
So yeah, I know about mental illness. I know too how LE and the media couch their terminology. I worked directly with them too.
The plight of the mentally ill was brought into sharp focus for me during the preceding 10 years that I worked as an RN in the Emergency Department.
I gazed into the face of every single mental illness, up close and personal. Overdoses, self-harm behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, etc.
Every 'Biblical' and historical 'renowned' figure, graced our doors.
It was the tragedy of those with schizophrenia that touched my heart to the core.
They were often all alone, with no one to make sure they took their meds, or help them keep the post-discharge mental health appointments we dutifully made.
'Julius Caesar' certainly wasn't going to.
Trying to grasp the magnitude of their daily tragedy was the catalyst for my change to psychiatric nursing.
Retired now, I'm forever indebted to my patients. From them I learned the true meaning of courage: Putting one foot in front of the other when the illness is dictating the terms.
Which brings me to my point. My # 1 flag-waving cause for the mentally ill.
First of all, we don't know whether Eugene has been diagnosed with any mental illness. We don't know for certain what LE or the media are trying to portray. Yes, we can guess, but we don't
know.
My problem though is the feeling (and not necessarily directed at you, but you quoted my post,) that the public is somehow entitled to know
if he does!
Not only that, but the feeling that the public also feels entitled to parse every action and word, by him and his family, and make judgements about them. About what they should or should not be doing.
All of this from behind a computer screen.
No matter what LE or the media does, or does not do, I will respect and support Eugene's family totally. They have a right to privacy of their health and marital issues, whatever they may be.
They don't owe me a thing. I'm not entitled to any information about Eugene's mental health. I don't get a vote in their right to privacy.
Yeah, there shouldn't be a stigma to any mental issues. Hey, I held family education classes for years. I preached that very thing! But I don't get the right to decide for someone
else whether they want to share that history.
And yes, they are still entitled to ask for my help. If I feel I can't give it without knowing the 'whole' story, then I can just bow out.
Would it help to know his history? Possibly. But again, that is not my right to know. Laws have been passed to protect everyone's health records.
I want to help Eugene's family, I will do that by showing them my respect and support. I wouldn't think of trying to force them to 'fess up and stop deluding themselves.'
That just feels mean to me. Anything that feels mean, usually
is.
Their hearts are heavy enough without me burdening them with one more 'inth' of pain.
I don't intend to come across as telling people how to post. As long as it is within the TOS, all opinions are legit.
People
are entitled to believe whatever they want. I get the sharing of views. But I climb on my soapbox when I fail to see consideration for
other possibilities.
I want to keep my mind open. I
do owe the family that much.
It may end up being proven that there are mental issues. If so, I am solidly in their camp. If it's proven there are none, I am also solidly in their camp.
I am sending this family my sympathy, respect, and prayers they will find Eugene safe and sound...
Off my soapbox now...
JMO
