Posted by Barbara D. (205.188.198.26) on July 22, 1999 at 15:51:23:
In Reply to: Re: CARL: Shake It Off And Step Up! posted by Elka on July 22, 1999 at 13:33:00:
Elka,
I understand where you're coming from, but some of us have known Carl for a long long time. Nancy wasn't be insensitive - she was trying to shake him out of his "self-imposed" exile of depression.
Linda B., Drummer, Todd, and I among others are chronic sufferers. Most of us have been exactly where Carl is and we probably behaved the same way at times.
Some of us have sent money, offered him a place to live, even offered to send him meds, but he won't accept any help. He called me one night (after he had talked to DJ and Drummer right before me) and was drinking very heavily. He was crying about not being able to buy drugs to help him. I think the tough love that Linda talked about is very timely right now. As someone from AA's said a few days ago - You can carry the message, but can't carry the person.
I'm not fussing at you for not knowing about this, I'm just trying to explain why some of the postings to Carl sound a little harsh. We all DO care about him, but know he has to help himself BEFORE we can help him. And there is a lot going on behind the scenes that's not posted on the board. There are several people in the area trying to get him medical help now. I talked to two of those people on the phone Sunday and they are talking to docs and hospitals on his behalf. But Carl keeps hinding out from them, so it's hard to help him when they can't find him.
Anyhow, this didn't need to be on the board, but thought you should know what is going on.
Hugs BD