Crazy guy at 2/3 Eastern Parkway / Brooklyn Museum stop

He doesn't seem to be bothering anyone. Who is he harming by speaking/arguing with himself? I saw at least five people go past him, he didn't approach them in any way. I'd leave the poor guy alone.

sometimes he just stands there, other times he mutters to himself, and sometimes he shouts and screams - again at no one in particular - but i can understand how some people might be wary of him when he's in this state. however, i have never seen him approach or bother anyone.

to the original poster, i'm curious. who did you call to get this man help?

At the rick of being vey un-PC, I wuld ask if people who are NOT schizophrenic also have rights..

He has indeed been, at times, yelling and screaming incomprehensibly at the top of his lungs ( while at no one in particular it is very disturbing). He is sick and needs help and I am not sure what one can do for seomone like this. I think it is okay to say you feel uncomfortable about being around someone who is not on their meds because of thier behavior (Va. Tech shootings anyone?).

We cannot be so politically correct that we pretend that everything is okay so that we don't risk offending anyone. The minute something happens involving a mentally ill person, can you imagine the outcry?: "Why was nothing done about this, etc., etc". I'mNOT saying he is dangerous but it is clear that he is disturbed and he could be described as a minor nuisance.

To say that he should NOT be there everyday and night pacing and talking and screaming dos not mean he should be punished, but he does need help and many people don't know what to do so they call and "authority" agency to come help. I'm not sure I would video tape it, but that is the world we live in in 2007. Maybe documenting it can bring attention to it quicker.

In a similar but separate issue: Isn't it a problem when a very badly smelling person is on the subway car with the smell is bad that no one can stand to be in the car? What rights do the other paying passengers have to complain or say that something is unacceptable in a public space and what results should be expected?

Mental Illness is just that - an illness. The people with it and their families suffer the most. But I would argue that society as a whole, including those who are not mentally ill, suffer when the sick people are left untreated. It is simply wrong that our society allows seriously, visibly mentally ill (even non dangerous) people to roam the streets untreated and without help forever - even in NYC where one could argue varying degrees of mental illness.

This man needs help as do many in his position.
Any suggestions on how to help him?
What are the legal and ethical guidelines for something like this?

Not sure what is more boring, this poor guy watching traffic or watching the video of a guy watchin traffic. (I'm kidding!!)

Honestly though, this is the toughest part about living in the big bad city. I never knew a human could actually smell so much till I got near a few homeless folks on the subway. Not sure if there is an answer for these situations, but I'm glad that people care. I just wish the gov't would provide better services for the homeless and people with mental issues.

Fjord wrote: I've decided that this thread is a total waste. Really- who the hell are we to decide that he needs help, or that he's a "threat," or whether it's right to videotape (probably digital SevenOneEighty, but I like your old-school reference) him or not. Certainly his behavior can make many of us uncomfortable, esp. those with young children, but as far as coming off your white steeds and helping this man, it's not your gig. so just leave it.

Yes, you're right. The guy who has no home and who screams unintelligble rants across Eastern Parkway needs no help.

We discussed a similar issue on the FG/CH board: http://brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5870

Apparently NY has a "forced treatment" law whereby the cops can be called and they can force someone off for treatment. I posted some articles in that thread, so enjoy. I cannot recall the specifics that it goes into.

Subject: Re: Called 311, which then transferred me to 911

jdc0402 wrote: In other words, just because this guy hasn't harmed himself or anyone yet doesn't mean he's not capable of doing so in the future.

The same could be said of anyone.

Carnivore is correct on this one, unless this man is an immediate threat to himself or others, then he will most likely be left alone. Sadly, this means that he'll go without the treatment he obviously needs.

He is harmless and not a threat to a soul. Just pretty out there.

Okay, I've known this guy for more than 17 years and he is indeed schizophrenic. He's had treatment in the past, but, as is usually the cycle, frequently went off his meds. Now I think he's just permanenly off. Harmless and just fighting with the fellows in his head.

SterlingGuy wrote: I am a mental health professional. There is nothing wrong with calling 311 if you see someone acting erratic and fear he may jump in front of a car (as I believe the original poster stated). A better phone number to call is the city's mental health hotline, LifeNet (1-800-543-3638). They are staffed by trained mental health professionals whose job is to assess a situation and see if it would qualify for a Mobile Crisis Visit (two or three mental health professionals who go around the city to assess situations just like this one -- they are not affiliated with Kendra's Law or the cops).

Full disclosure: I used to work for them. They provide a great services.

Cool. How does it work then? If they see him and determine that he needs help, but he refuses their help, what is their next course of action?

The guy is from St Vincent, one the islands. My wife usually gives him a few dollars when he's not doing his crazy thing.

I had a friend visiting from Australia, and that guy started screaming at him, calling him a wizard. It was a little weird, but it ended up being an inside joke for the rest of his stay. ("You iza Wizard!"). While this guy does seem unpredictable (and I definitely make sure I'm not near him in case he goes into a fit), I have never seen him really make a nuisance of himself. Even his "wizard" outcries only happened once. Still, for everyone's safety, I'd recommend not standing between him and the tracks (or the stairs).

I don't know about the grace of God, but I know I don't like seeing mad people hanging around the train station. Who knows what they might be capable of doing? There is NO reason this individual ought to be allowed to enter into the train system. Last I checked, NYCTA does not offer any services for the homeless or the mentally unbalanced.

It's not just a matter of civility, but who wants to behold - or smell - a spectacle of degradation and filth while going to work everyday? It's an affront to everyone's human dignity..the homeless people, the hapless transit workers, the commuters who have no choice but to ride the trains.

I know if my brain shit the bed one day, I would hope that someone would care enough to not let me degrade myself in public by wandering around in filthy rags, in public ranting and raving like a lunatic. Why does "compassion" mean you have to stand aside in the name of "tolerance" and do NOTHING?