A mother's story of why mental illness 'should never be a crime'

Summary

Jerri Clark, founder of Mothers of the Mentally Ill, shares her son Calvin's struggle with bipolar disorder and the inadequate support he received. Despite showing signs of mental illness, Calvin faced legal challenges and ended up in jail before finally receiving treatment. His story highlights the need for better mental health care and the dangers of criminalizing mental illness. Now, with support, Calvin is rebuilding his life, demonstrating the transformative power of proper care.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Jerri Clark's son Calvin was a bright and athletic young man who excelled in high school activities.
• 🔍 During his freshman year of college, Calvin began exhibiting signs of mental illness, which his mother recognized as a serious issue.
• 🚨 Calvin's behavior escalated to the point where he was a danger to himself and others, leading to his involuntary hospitalization.
• 🏥 Despite being detained under the Involuntary Treatment Act, Calvin did not receive adequate support or treatment for his bipolar disorder.
• 🚔 Calvin's involuntary hospitalization was complicated by a bench warrant for his arrest due to a DUI charge he couldn't attend.
• 📉 After a brief hospital stay, Calvin's condition worsened, and he was released without a clear plan for ongoing care or support.
• 🚨 Jerri's attempts to get her son help were met with bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of legal pathways to ensure his treatment.
• 🗝️ Calvin's mental health crisis led to a series of unfortunate events, including time in jail and a suicide attempt.
• 🛑 The system failed to provide timely and appropriate care, resulting in Calvin's deteriorating mental state and multiple suicide attempts.
• 🏡 After a suicide attempt, Calvin was finally admitted to a hospital in a different state due to a lack of available beds in Washington.
• 🚑 However, even after meeting the criteria for involuntary treatment, Calvin was released after five days when he no longer posed an 'imminent threat'.
• 🌉 Calvin was abandoned at a homeless shelter and later arrested, highlighting the systemic failures in providing continuous care for the mentally ill.
• 🤝 Eventually, through the efforts of a social worker and public defender, Calvin received a release plan with housing and support, illustrating the importance of a coordinated approach to mental health care.

Q & A

What was the initial indication that Jerri Clark's son Calvin was experiencing mental health issues?

During Calvin's freshman year of college, he became very confused and started talking in circles, which led Jerri to suspect mental illness.

What unusual behavior did Calvin exhibit that made his family realize the severity of his condition?

Calvin ran around the house, became concerned that the downstairs bathroom was possessed, and performed a ceremony there, asking his mother never to enter it again.

What was the incident that led to Calvin being taken to a hospital?

Calvin was found by highway patrol on the side of the highway, not making much sense, and was suspected of being under the influence of drugs, leading to a hospital visit for a drug test.

Why was Calvin detained under the Involuntary Treatment Act?

He lashed out at security guards at the hospital, which led to him being determined as a danger to others, resulting in his detention under the Involuntary Treatment Act.

What legal complication arose due to Calvin's hospitalization?

While hospitalized, Calvin missed his initial hearing for a DUI charge, leading to a bench warrant being issued for his arrest.

How did the hospitalization affect Calvin's mental state upon release?

Calvin was as psychotic and manic after the two-week hospitalization as he had been before entering the hospital, indicating no improvement.

What was the county crisis office's advice when Jerri expressed concern for her son's safety?

The crisis office advised Jerri to call the police and let Calvin get arrested, with the expectation that he would then receive help.

Why was there no legal pathway to divert Calvin into the hospital after he was jailed?

Jerri was misled by the crisis office; there was no legal mechanism in place to divert him into the hospital after his arrest on the bench warrant.

How did Calvin's mental health deteriorate further after his release from jail?

Calvin became more unstable, to the point where his parents became afraid of him, and he attempted to lock them out of their house.

What was the turning point that led to Calvin finally receiving involuntary treatment?

Calvin was found wandering in traffic, threatening to kill himself by lighting himself on fire, which met the threshold for involuntary treatment.

What challenges did Calvin face after being released from the hospital in Portland, Oregon?

After five days, when he no longer met the threshold of imminent threat, he was dropped off at a homeless shelter and later attempted suicide by jumping off a bridge.

How did Jerri Clark's support system help Calvin after his suicide attempt?

The director of the jail connected Jerri with the director of psychiatric services, and a social worker arranged a release plan with housing and support for Calvin.

What is Jerri Clark's message in her 'Brief But Spectacular' take on mental illness?

Jerri Clark's message is that mental illness should never be treated as a crime and that there is a need for better support and understanding for those affected.