I write as the mother of an adult son very ill with schizophrenia who is refusing help, about to run out of money, and become homeless in southern Maine next week.

Given recent events, I feel I must speak out because what many people do not realize is how potentially dangerous untreated schizophrenics can be. Here are some reasons.

First, they believe the visions and voices they hear in their minds are real and, police warn, can and do act on them.

Second, A major symptom of this disorder is “lack of insight,” which means they often do not understand they are mentally ill, and thus will not seek help or take medication willingly.

Third, many are actively paranoid and angry and cannot or will not live at home.

Maine designates these individuals as “Section 17” but does not prioritize their care.

My son is a typical case: last fall the police did their job and took him against his will to the emergency room. The emergency staff did their job and held him for a week until a bed became available. However, the staff at the hospital unit soon released him without an enforced return to the medication which stabilizes him.

Why? Because despite being actively delusional, his right to refuse help is more important than the public’s right to safety. This law needs to change now to allow my son a life worth living and to protect innocent people.

I hope people help all of us by sharing this story.

Sarah Gibson, Bethel

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