Posted by LostBoyinNC46 on June 8, 2015, at 21:36:06
Im just curious. Once in a while I still log onto this forum and a few other mental illness forums. I read a lot of complaining, which is understandable considering all of what many on here are and have gone thru, including myself.
One of the constant, neverending topics on these boards is: "we need better more effective medications with better side effect profiles."
I agree with that. But guess what? That takes medical research and drug development and that costs money. LOTS of $$$$.
Politicians in DC control federal administrative agencies like NIH and NIMH that do basic and even some semi-advanced science research that ultimately leads to new and better meds and treatments. But, if few mental patients vote consistent and few write their elected representatives about this awful issue, that tax money goes to things like cancer research, diabetes research, drug research for another cholesterol or hypertension drug, etc. And not a better drug for bipolar, schizophrenia or clinical depression.
Only large scale voting can change this priority, as politicans could give a flip about you if you dont vote.
I vote VERY consistently. In Presidential elections, in the midterms, in the ones between the midterms that deal mostly with state or local stuff. Do you do the same?
I see this as a core problem with the chronic and severe mental illness demographic...their total absence of presence in the political arena. You guys are not represented well. I dont consider NAMI effective enough, I think something more powerful and aggressive is needed to get the job done.
Do you vote? Do you vote CONSISTENT???? And do you periodically shoot off an email to your Senators and Congressman about the need for better taxpayer funding for R & D for improved psychiatry meds and treatments?
Eric AKA "LostBoyinNC"
poster:LostBoyinNC46
thread:1079554
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20140225/msgs/1079554.html