(May 16, 2016) A new video captures perfectly the horrors faced by families of people with severe mental illness when the mental health system fails. "Capitol Ill" is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand documentary that delves into our dysfunctional mental health system, and finds out what changes need to happen.
"As journalists who have covered this topic for years, we believe that if more people are educated about the issues surrounding serious mental illness, they would see a need for change," said the film's producers. "We've interviewed too many families, and covered too many unnecessary tragedies, to sit back and do nothing."
The trailer for the film highlights the stories of family members affected by severe mental illness. California father Anthony Hernandez's story is particularly heartbreaking.
Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Hernandez's son, Aaron, had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. But each time he was hospitalized the treatment was short-lived - lasting a few days or several weeks at the most. Then, in 2014, Aaron's behavior began to spiral out of control and he violently attacked both of his parents.
Watch the trailer for "Capitol Ill" and donate to this incredible project now.
People with severe mental illness and their families deserve better than this -- they need #aBedInstead.
The Treatment Advocacy Center has launched a campaign to ensure access to inpatient treatment for people with severe mental illness - called #aBedInstead.
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