| I once asked a relative of mine what he believed to be | | | | that these illnesses are incurable? |
| the biggest advancement in the treatment of mental | | | | The book is an engrossing and soul searching read |
| illness, and his succinct reply, the invention of the | | | | that provides a window into the mistreatment of the |
| tranquillizer. | | | | mentally ill and in particular with society's obsession in |
| Unfortunately, as we have no doubt have come to | | | | looking for whom to blame, rather than trying to find a |
| realize, the tranquillizer is not exactly the cure all. Just | | | | solution to the cure. As mentioned, "it is the cure that |
| look at the terrible side effects of such medication as | | | | should be capturing our attention." |
| Prozac. | | | | After lambasting the system, Stevens does present |
| Sheryl J. Stevens, who has first hand experience in | | | | several constructive ideas for improving the system in |
| dealing with the mentally ill, or as she prefers to call | | | | her chapter entitled A Manor Of Eden. It is here where |
| these individuals "lost souls," has written a wake up call | | | | she emphasizes the principle that no human being is a |
| in her book Operation Soul Recovery (From Default | | | | hopeless case, and it is essential that we treat the |
| To Purpose). | | | | body, mind and the soul simultaneously, and not giving |
| The author strikes just the right tone: direct and | | | | more importance to one over the other. |
| passionate, in pointing out to her audience that the | | | | Furthermore, the program of treatment is to be divided |
| treatment of these lost souls is very low down on the | | | | into a series of steps that considers the whole gamut |
| health care totem pole. Furthermore, as the author | | | | from dealing in depth with the past, recovering the |
| asserts, we are lacking in sensitivity in our | | | | wisdom and value of the inner-child, developing |
| understanding that there is no physical pain comparable | | | | knowledge of healthy living and formal education, job |
| to that of a broken spirit. | | | | training, and job placement. |
| As pointed out, we would hardly expect someone with | | | | There is a great deal here to ponder about, and as |
| a broken leg to run a race. Instead, we would promptly | | | | Stevens mentioned in her interview with me, the book |
| treat the fracture by a qualified medical doctor. Why | | | | definitely presents ideas and suggestions that are |
| then is it so difficult to understand the basic | | | | outside of the box. However, the question that remains |
| requirements needed to treat the mind and spirit? | | | | is, who will be listening? |
| There seems to be a tendency to cop out and either | | | | Title: Operation Soul Recovery (From Default To |
| ignore the gravity of the situation or rely solely on | | | | Purpose) |
| medication. Do we really believe, as Stevens asserts, | | | | Author: Sheryl J. |