So . . . Who Gets To Decide?

Written by craig

 I have often been told I'm crazy. For the moment, let's assume they're right. So, who gets to decide what type of treatment I get? I have a novel idea . . . let me!

Okay, first 'the caveat. If I'm a danger to myself or someone else, if there's a possibility that someone might get hurt, then the old second opinion should be mandatory. 'No exceptions, ever. (No, not even for that, or the other one, either. 'More on this later.)

However, short of these life-or-death types of situations, I want . . . no, I insist, on line-item veto power. Whether I take or don't take a particular pill, or attend or don't attend psychotherapy, or show up at all, is up to me. This is where the system typically breaks down. We start playing fast and loose with the definition of "danger to self or others."

I frequently ride my bike through downtown Manhattan, and while some would consider this a suicidal gesture, most people would not seriously classify it as an attempt to end my life. John McCain thought he was going to be president, and a great argument could be made that this is delusional thinking. Still, no one seriously suggested that he be locked up in a mental health ward. 

If I hear voices, take drugs, think I'm God, or worry that "they" are out to get me, but I'm not threatening anyone, it's my business. If you think I should be shipped off to the happy farm for this, then you must be delusional. Or, maybe you really are out to get me. (If it's the first one and you are delusional, maybe they could put us in the same room. Are you any good at Spades?)