An Example Of The Mental Health System Failing

As we all know mental health is a huge issue in this country currently. I am a veteran and have recieved treatment for ptsd since returning home and have witnessed many failures in the system. I myself was lost in the system after returning home. It took me over three years to get the treatment I needed. I am much better now and continue to be stable as far as my mental state is concerned. I do still see people at the VA every now and then just so that they can check in with me to make sure I'm still ok.

I had an appointment with a care coordinator earlier this week and completely forgot about it as I had a tree crushing my car that I had to take care of. So I recieved a call from this person today and was promptly and rudely told that if I miss another appointment I will be dropped from the VA mental health care system. Apparently there new policy is that two missed appointments reguardless of the reason will get you ejected from mental health treatment at the VA.

Now does this sound right to anyone else. I see that as a failure on their part. Many of us have problems with memory and other things; myself from TBI and have a hard time with appointments and remembering them amongst the many other things in our daily lives. So if we happen to miss two appointments we will be denied care in the future. I am just so sick of this BS with the VA. They are not trying to help us at all. If they were I would not have recieved a rude call from an intern telling me if I miss another appointment I won't be able to stay in the system.

I'm glad that I am mentally ok right now but I fear for others who may be worse off. How many have been shut out of the system over this bs. And how many of those people now are a danger to themselves or others at least potentially. I believe it is time to start writing some more letters because I see this as a problem. Not only is it BS but the way I was treated over the phone was enough to make anyone who may be unstable act or want to act irrationally. I am pissed myself but I will handle it the proper way and not let my emotions get the better of me.

So for all of those who wish to know how our mental health system is going. Here is an example of what many of the veterans across this nation are facing. I cannot speak for the civilian side of mental health but I imagine it is similar in nature. I am only writing this today to get it off my chest and to give an example of how the mental health system is failing in this country. That is all I want the readers to take from this.

So sorry to hear how they treated you. A tree falling on your car is good enough reason to not be able to make your appt. and should not be used as a strike AGAINST you. This two time missing rule is ridiculous!

I agree the system is failing so many. I have a friend who is NOW in the last stage of cancer (vet) who has tried to get help for years... to be left hanging like this, truly breaks my heart. They do not seem to have a heart of care these days. I call it neglect.

Had something similar, happen to me last year. I canceled a couple of appts at my doctors with *Good* reason also. I phoned them after some time, regarding something else not related to any medical problems , a totally non-related. Then a few days later, I get a letter in the mail, stating that if I do not contact them within 30 days of the letter, then they will assume I have gotten another doctor and will be removed from their system.
This was wrong too, imo. What doc throws the patients out if they don't come for a while??? My dad would NEVER have done that... forcing letter! Needless to say.... forget that doc and his policy. WRONG WRONG imo!

Anyway, I feel for ya , bro. This angers me too - how they treat(ed) you & others . You and all our veterans deserve the BEST!!!!

I worry about others more than myself. I have always been able to keep it together even when I am at my worst. I worry about all who have been cast out and the troubles they now face. It is despicable what is happening in this country to both veterans and civilians. All we can do at this point is make ourselves be heard and not stand for the BS they want to throw at us.

Semper Fi.