Dear Dr. The-rapist

Herald Times, Dr. Gott’s section, dated February 18, 2007

Dear Dr. Therapist:

I am a social worker and a physician. I have worked as a case manager and counselor for over 20 years. I was working in the system and watched the process of de-institutionalization. I do understand about mental illness and have compassion. I am sure the girl my son married is bipolar and has a borderline personality disorder. Some of her bizarre behaviors included beating up furniture with a hammer when she could not have her own way, physically beating up my son so badly that he could not work, spending large sums of money in a few hours time, sleeping more than 18 hours at a time for many days in a row, and pitting people against each other by telling lies. She was totally unmotivated and never cooked or cleaned. Her family reached a breaking point and they could not handle the situation. This girl has been in foster homes and in juvenile detention. She has never held a job for more than two days. My son had never seen such behaviors and I am sure he was shocked. I am concerned my son will continue to be attracted to people with mental-health problems. Recently, I was reflecting with a colleague. She said that my former daughter-in-law was possessed by the devil. I believe that my son could use some therapy to help him understand the problems he faced in his marriage. The young lady needs to be evaluated before she does harm to herself or to others. I suggest calling the local hospital and ask for doctors or facilities to contact for more information. Her family should be involved. Is there anything you can suggest I can do to influence him to seek help?

Dear Reader of the Herald Times, Dr. Gott’s section, dated February 18, 2007:

It sounds to me like you are talking about yourself. There is an old adage, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . .” According to a verse in the scripture, “Thus saith the L-rd: “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the L-rd.” Jer 17:5

With respect to devil possession, I am not qualified to offer legal advice as I am not an attorney. However, I’m sure if I invoke my physician-patient confidentiality privilege on the world wide web, it will be honored. …(the legal profession does not honor such a “diagnosis”.)

P.S. I won't tell anyone. How much do you make per prescription when you sell or refer your clients to the local drug store?