LePage administration policy adviser David Sorensen is wrong when he says that one-sided news reports have caused undue panic among people who receive mental health services (Maine Voices, March 30). It was the Department of Health and Human Services that caused the panic.

When DHHS sent a letter to mental health clients saying that their services could be cut, these vulnerable people began having an increase in anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

Also, DHHS is claiming that the public was informed regarding previous hearings. This is also untrue. If DHHS could send out a letter about taking away our services, then it could have also sent a letter informing us that there was a hearing!

I am a client of mental health services and I have worked as a recovery trainer and volunteer. I have helped many clients of various diagnoses. I can tell you that you have to treat the person, not the illness.

Mental illness is unpredictable and varies from client to client. Mental health professionals are the people who know the diagnosis and know what services are needed. DHHS has no authority to say which person needs which services.

I recently had a three-month episode that included hypomanic, dysphoric and depressive episodes. I do not have schizophrenia or schizo-effective disorder.

But, without the help of my daily living supports, case management, my therapists and doctor, I would be living in my dark bedroom and not speaking to anyone. I would not be functioning!

DHHS gave you assumptions, not accurate facts. I have the information, I have experienced the diagnosis, I know how mental health professionals have helped. I also know that DHHS is trying to blame the mental health community for the lack of communication surrounding the rule changes.

Please, do not let them fool you.

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