In Retrospect
To be the victim of a nervous breakdown is to be in a mysterious and dreadful position. Perhaps I should say, “To have been…” for it is only afterwards, after one gets out of the hospital or is well on the way to doing so, that one realizes the full impact of what has occurred. Then one begins to search for causes, quite naturally I feel, in the hope that further such disability will be prevented. This reasoning is the same as that employed when one develops a nasty infection of the foot.
to be continued….
If any individual knows that his freedom will soon be vastly decreased and that this process will be painful, he can prepare himself and gather, we trust, sufficient strength to meet his crisis unfalteringly. If by chance he fails in his endeavor, let us try to have enough patience and insight - commodities hard for any one of us to obtain - to see through to the root of the problem. Let us not deal with the inarticulate too hastily.
To such forewarning and understanding is this paper dedicated. I sincerely hope that my words have enlightened those who are devoting themselves to the guidance of the handicapped toward well-adjusted and healthy outlooks on life; and furthermore, that my word will enable even a few handicapped persons to derive that contentment and satisfaction from their lives which is their natural birthright.
Prudy Sutherland
February 10, 1965