More thoughts about violence and mental illness...

I read an article today about making assumptions and the connection between those assumptions and stigma about mental illness.  This article made a great deal of sense to me.   Here is the link to the article:  http://bit.ly/UYDxSP   But I am going to tell you what I read there and share with you why I find this article so meaningful.  

First of all, as pointed out by the author, when people connect mental illness to violence, they make some assumptions.  They assume that all mentally ill people are prone to violence.  But really it is other human characteristics that cause the violence: Ruth Woodlen (Executive Director of Mental Health Association of Capital Region) “What breeds violence is low self-esteem, hopelessness, not knowing where to turn,”   Of course, we ‘know’ that the shooter in the Newtown shooting was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.  This is a form of Autism.  Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are indicators that someone has impaired ability to interact socially.  But that doesn’t mean they are likely to become violent.  As a matter of fact, it is more likely that someone with Asperger’s is going to be a victim of violence.   And by the way, to my surprise, Asperger’s is not considered a mental illness in the first place.

But here is what people do with discussion relating mental illness and violence:

• They further isolate mentally ill people due to fear. 
• They make a connection between mental illness and violence that is higher than what occurs in reality.
• They want to make different rules for mentally ill people than the general population.    
• They further stigmatize the mentally ill.

All of this is wrong because it takes the individuality of each person away.  And whether someone is prone to violence is the result of many things. Not just mental illness.  But this stigma has pretty negative results. For example, many experience decreased ability to find a job.  Or get housing.  And it probably results in fewer people seeking treatment.  This is interesting, since one in four people have a diagnosable mental illness in the United States. Finally, it takes away the possibility of recovery.  And how mentally ill people can…and do… contribute. The article talks about President Lincoln.  And the fact that he suffered from a pretty significant depressive disorder. Good point.  Look at what he accomplished!

So, what should having a diagnosed mental illness mean in terms of having access to weapons?  I am not sure.  What do you think it should mean?  Should we continue to stigmatize those with mental illness by assuming they are prone to violence?  The article doesn’t come to that conclusion. The mentally ill really have low numbers in terms of violence as seen by available studies. 

I think they are right. Instead, they point out that focusing on wellness and providing access to the tools needed to move towards recovery is what will help. Getting to know each other as a community will help. The lesson I learned?  As I continue to think about this issue, I think that articles like this are important.  I truly appreciate what this author taught me.  Her name is Kara Newhouse.  I hope you will check out the article. The basic issue remains the stigma and the isolation.  And access to healing.  Interesting ideas, aren’t they?  What do you think?