Crazy Making (Unabridged‪)‬

I was a counselor in private practice for 22 years. It was only after I retired from service, that I began to really understand how much pain the family and friends of a mentally disordered persons may really suffer.

In the fall of 2014, a friend ended up being involuntary committed for a two-week stay in a mental health treatment center. Since my friend's family knew that I had a background in mental health; they immediately enlisted my support and advice. I made it abundantly clear that I was no longer a practitioner but as a friend and fellow human being I could try to be supportive.

The following short story is based on a very true events. However, certain details have been changed in order to guarantee the privacy of every person involved. I feel that any identifying details will cause more harm than good. So out of respect for my friends, details were changed. However, there are many important things we all can learn. For this I am grateful. This is not psychological or legal advice. It is just a story.