It is good news that Eden Strang has recovered sufficiently to be rehabilitated into the community.

As someone who has undergone a severe episode of the disturbance of his mind due to a mental disability, he should be encouraged in his recovery and rehabilitation, not subjected to further and unnecessary detainment in a secure mental institution, as has been suggested.

Whilst I can appreciate the concerns of victims from the attack, Eden should not be made to experience further guilt or rejection or indeed victimisation or discrimination.

Recent figures show that one in six can experience symptoms of mental ill health at any given time. Those who have direct or indirect experience of mental ill health realise that the recovery process can differ significantly and in some cases medication is prescribed on a trial and error basis.

Let's hope that Eden has sufficient insight into his condition and that his continued mental well being is dependent on him taking prescribed medication to prevent a relapse.

R Simms

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July 10, 2002 11:00