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My Brother Ron
260 pages, 2012
science & nature
1064 books
economics & politics
987 booksDeinstitutionalization was a disaster. It made homelessness, degradation of urban life, increases in violent crime rates, and increasing death rates for the mentally ill inevitable. My Brother Ron details the history of deinstitutionalization from two points of view: what happened to the author's older brother, part of the first generation of those who became mentally ill after deinstitutionalization, and a detailed history of how and why America went down this path.
My Brother Ron examines the multiple strands that came together to create the perfect storm that was deinstitutionalization: a well-meaning concern about the poor conditions of many state mental hospitals; a giddy optimism by the psychiatric profession in the ability of new drugs to cure the mentally ill; a rigid ideological approach to due process that ignored that the beneficiaries would end up starving to death or dying of exposure.
In 'My Brother Ron', Clayton E. Cramer explores the complex world of mental illness. He shares his personal experiences with his brother's schizophrenia, providing a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those living with mental health issues. This book encourages readers to research more about mental health and develop empathy towards those suffering from such conditions.
The book gives a detailed account of how mental illness doesn't just affect the individual, but also their family and friends. It's a heart-wrenching journey that shows the struggles and sacrifices families often have to make. It's a call to action for society to look into ways to support not just the patients, but also their families.
Clayton E. Cramer digs into the role of society and government in dealing with mental health issues. He criticizes the lack of adequate mental health facilities and the stigma attached to mental illness. This book encourages readers to explore ways to advocate for better mental health policies and facilities.
In 'My Brother Ron', the author emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding towards people with mental illness. He shows that they are not just their illness, but individuals with their own dreams and aspirations. This book encourages readers to see beyond the illness and find the person within.
The book is a testament to the power of personal stories in shedding light on complex issues. Through his brother's story, Clayton E. Cramer gives a human face to schizophrenia, making it more relatable and understandable. It's a reminder that behind every statistic, there's a human story waiting to be heard.
