My wife and I went to a SARDAA medical conference in Houston, Texas in conjunction with Baylor College of Medicine this past April 20-21, 2018, and this was one of the topics there. Xavier Amador, Ph.D. wrote the book dealing with this subject: I AM NOT SICK. I Don’t Need Help!: How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment (2012). The issue is that the person does not realize that he is sick – not that he denies it. Denial, as the doctor points out, means that somewhere deep down inside the patient realizes he has an illness. This is different. It is a symptom of the illness.
In my book, In the Matter of Edwin Potter: Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Reform, Edwin also does not realize that he has an illness and acts out accordingly. He did not understand why he was arrested, put in the hospital, or why he lost his freedom. He saw nothing wrong with himself except that his employer was out to get him. And now, today, having realized the truth, he lives with remorse and regret for the death of his wife.
Reminder! Bruce Hurwitz Presents has offered me the opportunity for a podcast interview on May 14, 2018 at 5pm. We will discuss mental illness and criminal justice reform as well as the book. Here is the link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bhp/2018/05/14/david-geiger-mental-illness-and-criminal-justice-reform