What type of people with mental illness can’t live on their own?
I’ve heard that it is not wise for some people with mental illness to live on their own. Well what sort of mental illness? The type that get depressed for a week or month and then they’re fine? or what?
kelsey said,
Wrote on September 2, 2010 @ 1:52 pm
I think it is hard to generalize, but basically when someone gets to the point where they are a danger to themselves or others, or are unable to take care of themselves. Some illnesses would be schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia.
drizzle said,
Wrote on September 2, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
the type of people that have an illness that prevents them from doing all the nessicary daily tasks to live..
Jane said,
Wrote on September 2, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
Competency is generally defined legally, supported by medical evidence. The issue is not usually the specific type of mental illness, but the severity. For example, some schizophrenics are able to live on their own, taking their medication, having relationships, jobs, etc, even though you might consider schizophrenia to be a severe mental illness. Severely schizophrenic people however, often cannot tell the difference between reality and the world in their own head and would need to be institutionalized for their own safety. The key is really “can this person function in the world”. Can they maintain a home, pay bills and take care of their own health and safety. Are they dangerous to themselves or others?