Push me, Shove you

Randall P McMurphy

Tasmania’s Mental Health Services (MHS) is in complete disarray. There is an abundance of bullying spiralling downward at breakneck speed making life (directly and indirectly) hopeless for hundreds if not thousands of Tasmanians.

The Collins English Dictionary defines a bully as “a person who hurts, persecutes, or intimidates a weaker person”.

I beg to differ, but it’s a good starting point.

I believe a bully is someone who targets sensitive, passionate, committed (no pun intended) and those who want the very best for others.

Tasmania’s Mental Health Services (MHS) is in complete disarray.

There is an abundance of bullying spiralling downward at breakneck speed making life (directly and indirectly) hopeless for hundreds if not thousands of Tasmanians.

Similarly, MHS’ mantra that reform works/is working, is as pathetic as it is laughable.

What is particularly disturbing (no pun etc.) is that those who desperately need/want help are often overlooked because of the psychopathic decisions made by senior bureaucrats who should know better.

Does the culture of bullying spread beyond MHS into the Department of Health and Human Services?

From my experience, the answer is yes, but those DHHS managers can take that question on notice.

I’d like to think that these issues can be debated and, more importantly, resolved soon.

But depressingly – in the short term – the egomaniacs driving the bus seem more intent on leaving clients dangling after their day trip is over and the sun has set.

If you are a client, relative, friend of someone living with mental illness, carer, nurse, social worker, psychologist, clinician, Tasmanian, mainlander, or if you reside overseas, I challenge you to post a comment about my concerns, to give the downtrodden hope and a legitimate chance to lead a half decent life.

Meanwhile, the bullies who perpetrate horrendous damage at the top end should reflect in quieter moments.

And to those who are really hurting – remember Desiderata – “listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story”.