I've written before about the fact that Europe has a Mental Health Treaty.  I've wondered why we're not on the ball, at all, in this area.  A glimmer of hope shone on my dirty corner of the world today.  I shoved the general detritus aside and peeped on the words of former First Ladies, Rosalynn Carter and Betty Ford:


Major mental disorders cost the nation at least $193 billion annually in lost wages, and the cost of alcohol and drug problems in the United States is over $400 billion. Moreover, when insurance companies deny people coverage, these costs and others are shifted to the economy and public sector. Failing to diagnose mental illnesses further compounds the problem.

These illnesses are common and can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, and this legislation is good for families, businesses and patients. We cannot wait any longer to make this crucial investment in our nation's health and help people in need.
 

It does a body good to read these words coming from such fierce, fantastic and fearless women.  It helps my soul to know that finally, after relentless silence, ignorance and downright malfeasance, there is some recognition of the plight of the mentally ill.