Nothing to Fear From Mentally Ill

I am writing this in connection with the proposed mental health facility in Reseda. I am a resident of this community and parishioner of St. Catherine’s Church.

I was somewhat dismayed to find that The Times did not follow up its article of June 25 and report from the town meeting the same day.

I was present at the meeting and was dismayed to witness so much hostility and prejudice. I did get the impression, however, that the vocal opposers were in small numbers. Although the most adamant opponents of this facility state that they are in no way showing prejudice and that they are merely opposed to the county breaking a zoning code, I must state my disagreement. Due to my experience in mental illness, both in my family and in my profession as a teacher of emotionally disturbed adolescents, I feel more than qualified to recognize fear and prejudice toward mental illness when I see it.

This is, unfortunately, in evidence both in our community and in society itself. I would like to simply ask these people to open their hearts and minds.

First, the clients who will attend this clinic will be far from dangerous, not Jeffrey Dahmers as a gentleman and opposer of the clinic likened them to during the town meeting. Considering that the clients already live in the community, the locals should want to make sure that they are receiving treatment if they are worried about them being dangerous.

Second, addressing the armed guards and search and weapon prohibition signs, a visit to any city, state, county, or federal building will reveal the same thing. I know from experience that there is more chance of violence in a public school than there is in one of these facilities.

As for fear of schoolchildren being in contact with the mentally ill, believe it or not they are in contact with the mentally ill. Every day they see a homeless person who may very well suffer this affliction. Teach your children compassion and not contempt or fear.

I will close this letter by reiterating what I said at the meeting and what I will say to anyone who will listen. Please, do not fear the mentally ill, this is an affliction to be feared only by the person who is suffering from it! Please open your hearts and minds.

BERNADETTE PRESTA, Van Nuys