Compassion for the Mentally Ill

I read and completely agree with your article about the challenges that the mentally ill place on both insurance and the workplace ( “What Constitutes Compassion for the Mentally Ill?” Register, Aug. 1-7).

Let me tell you of our experiences with it. We are a small chemical company and hired a new scientist. He seemed normal but socially awkward (that is really normal for scientists who tend toward introversion). There were the normal adjustment problems with all his coworkers. He and I had a few problems, too. It is hard for me to find a middle ground between letting … new person[s] work in their own way and teaching them all the ways I have learned.

Gradually, his behavior changed and the odd things started increasing in number. Finally, he would try to start arguments about things not related to work and was unable to do any work toward his projects.

Our boss tried various methods to help the man get back on track, but nothing worked. We finally had to let him go.

The question that must always be asked when trying to integrate the seriously mentally ill with the more normal people is where are the lines drawn between a safe and productive workplace and compassion for another. I don't know.

All I do know is this: the people and their families of the seriously mentally ill deserve far more of our prayers and compassion than I suspect that they get.

Anna Abell Lake Forest, California