Father, son tell mental illness tale
BUTLER TWP — Although author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Peter Earley has been a nationwide champion for removing the mentally ill from the criminal justice system, his own hometown of Fairfax, Va., does not have a behavioral health court.
“Butler County is far ahead of the curve,” said Earley, who gave a public presentation to about 25 audience members Tuesday night at Butler County Community College.
Earley and his son, Kevin, detailed their trying journey through the mental health system 20 years ago, when Kevin found himself delusional and out of touch with reality.
The elder Earley said Pennsylvania in general is ahead of most other states when it comes to his goal of viewing mental illness as just that, an illness, and seeking treatment for patients when they first display symptoms.
Because of deficits in care for mental health issues, Earley said, many people who could be helped end up being arrested and receiving care when they reach “stage 4 of their disease.”
“Imagine if we did that with cancer?” Earley said.
Kevin shared his fascinating perspective from the standpoint of one who became out of touch with reality, making surreal connections in his mind as he pursued his delusional “mission from God.”
Kevin Earley recalled how an ornately decorated rug at a halfway house, in his mind, became a map of the secrets to the universe, how he escaped from a facility unclothed because he believed that no one could see him when he was naked, and how he broke into a house to take a bubble bath so he would be clean when the impending apocalypse arrived that night.
Donna Jenereski, the director of Butler County's drug and alcohol program, said she attended the forum to hear Kevin's struggle regarding the criminal justice system and to learn how he obtained mental health treatment.
Kevin Earley said his breaking point came when his brother announced to him that he would soon be an uncle.
“I decided there was either a vast government conspiracy against me or I was mentally ill,” said Kevin, “and I realized I didn't get arrested when I stayed on my meds.”
Jenereski said she would take the information shared by the Earleys back to her office and observe the county's system.
“Are we able to recognize people who need treatment?” said Jenereski.
Jason Beckwith, the founder of Action in Recovery, a group of people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction who do community service projects, said the forum shows that the county is serious about helping those with mental illness who wind up in the court system and then jail.
“It's another step in the right direction,” Beckwith said.
The Earleys also gave their presentation earlier on Tuesday to county officials, police, judges, church officials and other professionals who regularly deal with those suffering from a mental illness.
All three county commissioners attended that event, and Commissioner Kim Geyer said she was extremely impressed with the Earleys and their courage in talking about their difficulties.
“Peter Earley illuminated the way the mental health system coordinates with courts, laws and prison and how the systems sometimes impede or work against each other and impact getting help for people who need it,” Geyer said.
She said she also was shocked at how difficult it was for Peter Earley to get help for his son.
Kevin Earley said everyone suffering from severe mental illness should never give up and keep fighting to live a calm and happy life.
“I'm proof that people can get better,” he said.
