This is in response to the Jan. 15 article “Crisis help only a phone call away.”

In light of the recent death of a young man, I wonder if the professionals who respond to these crises are trained. I cannot understand why death was the end result of their help.

I have seen a Taser used on someone brought into a hospital in handcuffs. That individual did not have a weapon, and after several hours of waiting to be evaluated, was sent home.

Spending several hours in handcuffs, treated like a criminal is not going to make a person want help. In that setting, perhaps medication, along with compassion, empathy and more understanding would have been a better way. It should not be about power and control. We have to remember that ill minds cannot think clearly.

Stress from loss of employment has certainly exacerbated the cases seen today. Cost for help when no longer insured is a big issue. I keep hearing that people cannot be refused care. That is true, but the bills for treatment, along with the cost of medication, can keep the person sick long after treatment is sought.

There has to be more that society can do for those who suffer with severe depression and mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a wonderful resource, but it can be overwhelming to someone seeking immediate help for a loved one.

Again, let’s remember, ill minds cannot think, and is help really a phone call away?

Dot McAtee, Lewiston