Back in the early 80's my best friend's brother (Vietnam Vet, U of Mich. grad) developed schizophrenia and was living alone on a beach in northern Michigan. My friend constantly tried to get him hospitalized by the District Court Judge who happened to be a long time friend of the family. The judge was unable to do anything until Skip was proven to be a threat to either himself or others.
It wasn't until late fall with winter setting in and Skip still on the beach in freezing temps that the judge finally issued an order for Skip to be hospitalized at the state mental hospital in Traverse City until his condition could be controlled with the proper medication,.
Unfortunately for Skip, he was placed in the ward for the criminally insane where he was almost beaten to death by another "patient"..........
Oh, Lord, "the system." I feel fortunate that I have pretty much been able to avoid "the system."
Do you know how the man, Skip, is doing nowadays?