The Aurora shootings and Mental Health help.

Dear All:  I normally don't write about tragedies but I had to write on this one; it has drastically affected me because I just don't understand why things like this continue to happen.  Exactly about 1 year ago, a number of young people were killed in Norway.  Why are people attacking our youth???

The people in Aurora were going to see a movie; most of them were very young.  What a horrible waste of life!  I'm thinking of the families who are suffering, along with the rest of our country, and it really saddens me.  We need prayers!  Lots of prayers, please. I don't see the solution being about gun control, but it would certainly help.

Please spread the word about Mental Health Professionals-

I have wanted to rant and rave about mental health professionals for quite a while, and that taking advantage of their services is a good thing. So many people go to school, FOR YEARS, to learn to work with people who need mental health services.  People of the general population don't really take advantage of that help.  Agencies have good resources for mental health professionals that the families can access when finances are limited.   These are really good people who are psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatrists, counselors, etc.  I work in tandem with these allied health professionals and these are some of the most dedicated people in the world.  These are people who also face the trials of daily living, but the difference is that they've been specially trained to work with people who need help.  

So the shooter is from San Diego and the mother confirmed that he was "the right one" arrested.  Mom knew.  I don't want to second-guess why the family knew that their son was a ticking time bomb and that he obviously didn't get the mental health help he needed.

 I "get" that some people run out of money, medications, and opportunities to meet with mental health professionals.  I "get" that people with severe mental illness don't think there is anything wrong and they balk at therapy and help.  Please, continue to seek help for your family member and for yourself as well.  Each county usually has some type of mental health services program that is accessible on a sliding fee scale.   The point is that if you know your child is a future basket case, please keep searching for help!!!!  If you face roadblocks, please keep trying.  We need sanity in this crazy world.  Please help  keep the peace for our kids!