L’Observateur / October 14, 2000

DEAR EDITOR: Let’s be realistic. After all, this is the new millennium, is it not? We aresupposed to be open-minded. Do you know what the future holds? Can youclaim to be super-human, or perfect? If the answer is yes, please skip this letter and don’t read any further.

If you answered no, then let’s approach this matter with an honest look at ourselves. We are not placed on this earth to be judges of others, althoughmany of us believe otherwise. We are here to learn and perhaps be a supportto others. We are here to make choices and ascertain our place in ourneighborhood, our community and our society.

The Mental Health Department in LaPlace is attempting to form two types of support groups in the LaPlace area. Each group is unique and knowledge is tobe gained for those that attend. It has been a long time since support groupshave been accepted in the LaPlace area. These groups can be beneficial forall that attend.

A little background information on these groups will help you determine if this would be advantageous. Perhaps you know someone who can benefit.Perhaps the rest of this letter will provide you with valuable information, information that is dangerous to pass up.

As I mentioned before, there are two groups of individuals that can benefit from these support groups. The first is called Bridges. This group is forthose suffering from a mental illness. At one time or another, we all getstressed, have mental collapses or even have chemical imbalances which impair our judgement or makes it more difficult to live day to day. This groupcan help you put your life back in order, and help you maintain a way of life you thought you might have lost. It is no longer taboo to have or even beassociated with mental illness. After all, no one is perfect on this earth , andwe all have problems every once in a while, if not consistently. If you want afair shake at life and society, I suggest you come to this group and see what they can do for you.

If you are living with someone that has a mental illness and feel that it is, at times, difficult to cope or be supportive, then Journey of Hope classes can help you to live a better, more enjoyable and relaxing life. With the support ofothers, there is hope. You can better understand what is happening to yourfamily, or even your friends. This group is designed to be an encouragementto anyone that feels lost or abandoned. After all, we are all here to benefitone another. Don’t feel like a lone ranger, come to this group and get re-acquainted with yourself and your family. Understand the need and learn howto manage difficult situations.

If you are a family member of someone with a mental illness, pleased call the TAMI office for further information. The phone number is (504) 876-0555. Ifyou have been diagnosed with a mental illness or think you have mental issues, please call the Consumer Liaison Office at (504) 876-8824. Each ofthese offices will be able to help you.

It is not a crime to have a mental illness, or a crime to be associated with someone that has a mental illness; it is a crime to do nothing about it. If youfeel as if this disease has control over you, please do something today. Callthe above numbers and gain control today.

Eileen DeStefano

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