Dear Editor,

Your statistics on how the various mental health clinics across the island have been doing are probably accurate, but cold. I do not think these clinics or those who lead them are acting with compassion or understanding of those they deem mentally unwell.

For example, I was probably one of those whom their outreach team visited at my home in Precious Plains (in the southern part of Manchester bordering St Elizabeth). I did not ask, welcome or care for their visit. It was bordering on assault and battery the way they handled me (at least that was how my lawyer put it). So it makes me wonder what kind of treatment or care they are giving these poor people who just may not be feeling well. The field of psychiatry can sometimes be a grey area.

So when you post articles like these, please do not forget the human element – the people who are involved. Get their feedback. It makes for a more informed reader or writer.

Alvona Hill

lisaholness@yahoo.com