Past 'n' Present

      Back in the 80's, we were in the age that MI was starting to make its presence known without the negative stigma attached to it. People began talking about it a little more, it wasn't so much of a hush hush topic. The treatment of the MI was beginning to really come to light and changes were slowly being made for the good. MI people were not just hospitalized and drugged, treatment modalities were being developed and making some positive headway.
     In the late 80's, state phosp were not really the place to be. Many of the patients were abused and/or neglected in one form or another either by other patients or by staff. Being forced to see as those in charge said you needed to see things. You couldn't have your own opinion regarding what you observed. If you did voice your own opinion then you were placed in a room until you agreed with the staff/doctor. You were basically forced to conform by negative reinforcement.
     Another difference with phosp back in the the 80's is that your MI was not seen as something that could be changed. The MI was accepted as it was and meds were administered to subdue the behaviors and no "work" was done on modifing the behaviors. If an abusive act was experienced in the phosp by another patient, it was brushed off as "well that's their illness and there is nothing we can do about that." At most the staff may separate the offending patient from the general population for a short lenght of time, when it could be done.
       Today's phosp have changed so much from how it was 20 yrs ago. The phosp now treat the MI as well as working with the patient on positive coping skills for stress triggers. The phosp also works with the family in getting the patient back into the existing home with as little a ripple as possible. Another difference is the supports that are set up for the patient and the family outside the phosp.
      The changes that are happening in regards to MI and it's treatment has come a long way. I believe that because of these positive strides, MI is slowly being understood more and more. People are no longer afraid to be "labeled" and are more likely to seek treatment for their MI. It has been seen time and time again that someone with MI can live a long productive life with the proper treatment. MI individuals are no longer confined to a phosp and being so drugged they can't get out of their own way.