I am responding to the comments made by Lyn Bowman (research associate in the biological sciences department) in the YOURTURN section Tuesday. I am concerned about his assumptions that persons with a documented history of mental health concerns are wandering around the Ohio University campus
and her question of who the hell are they? I would like to state that many people experience mental health concerns at one time or another in their lives. Perhaps his friends, family or even he may have or will experience depression, anxiety, social adjustments, grief/bereavement, etc. Most people do not pose a threat to others and with support and assistance they may seek treatment and be able to manage their mental health issues with success.
In my opinion, it would be a scary society if we made such announcements and it would be a violation of our right to privacy to announce to the public the identity of every student, faculty, staff or administrator who has experienced a mental health concern. Of course certain issues are mandated to be reported, ie. a plan to harm oneself or another and abuse of children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Also, let's remember that in our country people are innocent until proven guilty. Just because (it has been said that) someone has a history of mental health concerns, they may be innocent. It seems to me that the OU administration and campus security mobilized quickly and took effective measures to maintain campus safety when one of their students was charged with murder. Personally, I am waiting for proof through physical evidence and I am thinking well about those directly and indirectly affected.
Cheryl Cesta is a graduate of OU and has a master's degree in counseling.
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