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I have had many health problems such as you have spoken of for 20 years or so. They manifested themselves in many different ways. Most of that time, I was in Ontario, and as of 6 months ago, I have moved back to Montreal, where I was born.

The real problem for me in Ontario was affording the medication. The only way I could get it very cheaply was to go on social assistance. I would decide that was no good and work anyway and not get the medication, with the consequence of relapse. Some of us cannot stand being on social assistance at any price.

Quebec has a fantastic drug plan, and it does not depend on whether I am working or not. $200 of drugs which I need to stay stable are $20-$30, which is very reasonable.

There is no question that treatment for neurological issues has improved dramatically in the last 20 years. The problem will be concentrated in areas where people are in financial, economic, and social peril, and where they have experienced trauma.

Their miserable surroundings are going to make them feel bad. There is no getting around this. Society must move from being less ruthless for gain to caring about people more. “The social revolution of self-effacement” is caused by the commoditization of everything. A dangerous concept, I admit.

Thanks,