Ted Laikind was 45-years-old and diagnosed as a rapid-cycling person with bipolar when he died. He had been “in the system” for many years. Brilliant, logical, intense, spiritual and spirited, Ted became a high profile peer advocate who was very active in the community.
Ted worked for the PALS program at South Beach Psychiatric Center and was one of the first “peer-bridgers” on Staten Island. He also served on the board of directors of Skylight Center.
Ultimately, he was abandoned by “the system.” Ted had been court-ordered to remain in psychiatric treatment three years ago after a manic escapade performed as only Ted could. At the time, he seemed on a mission to single-handedly change everything that was wrong with the mental health system on Staten Island. What he managed to do in reality was to alienate staff, administrators, and board members of almost every provider agency on Staten Island.
He was in Brookdale Hospital for almost a year, which is extraordinarily long for any inpatient unit outside of the state hospitals. The court-order had expired while he was there and they chose not to renew it.
Ted eventually came back to Staten Island where he was denied the help he sought based upon his past history with local providers. He became homeless.
The conversations and arguments I had with Ted over the next few weeks regarding suicide, the mental health system and values in general will be with me forever. At the same time, the St. George community in Staten Island was actively demonstrating against housing for people recovering from mental illness.
Ted felt he would never be able to recover a dignified quality of life here on Staten Island where he really wanted to be.
The second week in July, Ted died the way Kendra Webdale had, under the wheels of an MTA subway train, except that he threw himself onto the tracks.
Ted had stated that he did not want to be eulogized by the system he felt abandoned by, so his friends decided to do something to honor his life. The Mental Health Empowerment Project got us started with some funds for a hall. The Skylight Center’s board of directors also gave us a check. Others made personal, out-of-pocket donations, all of which went toward a celebration of Ted’s life.
On Wednesday, September 28, well over a hundred people attended the memorial service. It was a very special evening. Buttons were distributed at the door which said “uniTED in prayer.” His friends had a CD made with songs that reminded us of Ted, copies of which were given to his family and members of the planning committee.
His sister told us about growing up with Ted and the “Uncle Teddy” that her children will remember. The people Ted loved talked and reminisced and got to know each other. Former service providers mingled with friends and family as we ate and talked and laughed and cried. It was a beautiful evening.
Ted, wherever you are, I hope you are happy. And I hope you know how much you were loved and how much you will be missed.