The human brain is not incapable of repairing itself. In the words of Mark Tuszynski, a neurologist at UCSD, �I�d say it�s fair to think of the CNS as something primed to regenerate if you give it the right signals. We�re beginning to understand what some of those signals are. Thirteen years ago we knew of the existence of maybe three growth factors and now we know of about fifty� (e-4).
Cell regeneration research, neurotransmitter research and neuron-imaging techniques will continue to boom, assuredly. Maybe we will see an end to the nightmare of chemical dependency, both patient and doctor incurred. If wisdom is applied, rather than merely collecting data, I believe we will see that day.
Another alternative to address would be the psychosocial needs of the victims by distributing compassionate counseling staff and volunteers throughout the state hospital system to serve as connections for those long isolated members of society. Our social system is only as noble and strong as our weakest, troubled members. To drug them and hide them away, or simply abandon them is a cruel alternative to healing.
A biblical song, Psalm 13:12 says, �Hope deferred makes the heart sick�. I think this means that sickness is rooted in hopelessness. The more hope a patient has, the healthier they may become. The scientific machine has yet to objectively investigate the vast wealth of spiritual principles of behavior offered in the Judeo-Christian Bible. How can man operate separately from God and expect miracles ?
Finally, about 30% of our homeless population is schizophrenic. What does that say about where we place our priorities as a culture? I am free to ponder these things because my mind is not under attack of disease or under control of brain tricking drugs. However, I�m not satisfied to look the other way. I want that same freedom for every psychotic person in the rest homes, the psychiatric wards and those wandering the streets tonight.
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