I can't believe I haven't posted in here for over a year! I have a suicide prevention blog on wordpress and post on there daily so I guess it's fair to say I am neglecting this blog. The events of the past few weeks have me thinking though...
Why is it when a mass shooting or other tragedy in the community occurs people are quick to say it must be due to mental illness? Are you aware that the majority of people who struggle with a form of mental illness are not violent? In fact, most acts of violence are committed by people with anger issues and they have not been previously diagnosed with a mental illness (or mental health issue as I prefer to call it). Violence is not a product of mental illness. Nor is violence generally
the action of ordinary, stable individuals who suddenly “break” and
commit crimes of passion. Violent crimes are committed by violent
people, those who do not have the skills to manage their anger.
Here's a good article that explains this concept better than I can: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2014/04/anger_causes_violence_treat_it_rather_than_mental_illness_to_stop_mass_murder.html.
I hope we live in a world one day where mental illness is not automatically blamed for every act of violence that occurs. Mental health is very misunderstood. Let's educate and be more compassionate. People are afraid to ask for help because they fear being ostracized by society because people don't have an understanding about mental health/illness and honestly don't try to understand unless they have a loved one affected by mental health issues.
