Mental Illness

[Eric Lamberson]

"What sent me over the top was the church shooting. And my hollow point bullets have the victims' initials on them." When police began to follow Vester Flanagan he killed himself. In is car, police found a number of typed or hand written notes and 17 stamped letters. Shortly before encountering the police, Flanagan texted a friend "making reference to having done something stupid."

Vester Flanagan (also known as Bryce Williams) was in all probability mentally ill. Today, the US no longer has hospitals for the mentally ill; they are simply diagnosed, treated (if fortunate), and sent on their way. Some make up our homeless population, family members care for others, many are in prison, and a there are those who are somewhat functional and can control their symptoms through medication. An unknown number never seek treatment and due to their minimal ability to function in society end up moving from job to job. They learn to camouflage their “challenges” and this is often successful for a time; however, like Vester Flanagan, inevitably the illness manifests and they are fired.

If you find yourself dealing with a mentally ill family member or coworker—make no mistake—you are facing a potentially significant personal risk. Caution is in order.