Your 2 Cents: Viewers Respond To Bethany Mental Health Facility Closing

Every day, a family here in the metro is suddenly confronted with a loved one dealing with a mental health crisis, a suicide threat or something similar. It's overwhelming.

And now, Deaconess has announced they're closing their 57 psychiatric beds in the metro, compounding an already desperate shortage.

Jenn writes: "It is a travesty that we are losing such a helpful facility. If it wasn't for the great staff there and their support, I don't know where I would be right now. I lead a normal life, working, taking care of my daughter because of their help."

Deb says: "People don't think this is a priority until they find that they are the ones in need of help."

From Elaina: "I know first hand what it is like to try and find help for a loved one with mental illness. Your lost and not sure what to do."

Hank writes: "I have a family member that has never been in any type of trouble until mental illness set in.. ..we can not seem to get him the right help due to shortage of beds.."

Elaina says of Deaconess: "That place saved my life. I now function normally thanks to the psychiatrist from there.."

Finally from Guyona: "If we would help those with mental illness there would be less people in prison, less physical and emotional illness, fewer broken homes.. How sad a facility who offers hope to so many will close!"