What of the Issue of Mental Health and Violence?

[Cheshire Cat]

Since the tragedy on the 14th in Connecticut several issues have come to the forefront of conversation as it surrounds the causes and effects of the Shady Hook tragedy.  The discussion of gun control has surged in all forms of media as the hot topic.  The second and I believe most important focus of attention needs to be turned to the state of Mental Health in this country and how that may play into the types of violence we are currently experiencing.  When I say mental health, I am talking of all aspects from clinically insane to the average everyday person who is pushed by the current stresses of today that are causing people to snap or break down. I am not talking about equating mental disabilities with violence as a cause, but rather illnesses of the mind and body that seem to elicit violence in at risk individuals.  The failure of our society to revisit the issue of treating mental illness in any major way since the horrible failures of the past treatments and institutions has resulted in growing numbers of people self medicating with drugs and alcohol or to find escape through suicide. 

It is my expectation that we will see legislation forthcoming in this country that will find focus in the restriction of the sales of assault type weapons.  I believe that after much extended discussion and debate, this will be the compromise people will make initially in order to mitigate some of the danger society is exposed to. With one assault weapon a mentally ill man was able to kill 26 people in a mere 2 minutes.  I believe we will see many in law enforcement support such a restriction as the availability of legally purchased assault weapons added to those obtained illegally create a greater risk of danger and challenge for our first responders.

It is currently impossible to avoid all chaos and violence in our world but like any physical illness a doctor treats, a behavior or illness that results in severe injury or death needs to be addressed and treated.  As a compassionate people we need to take the immediate steps necessary to lessen the chance of a repeat of this sort of tragic event.  There is a broad discussion yet to be had about this issue.

A reality is that the discussions and changes to prevent this type of slaughter in our communities will also turn on how we address the declining mental state of many in our populace.  Current stress, PTSD, addiction, anger issues and mental challenges that can be helped with readily available and well funded treatment need to be pursued.  We as a society need to revisit discussion about what behaviors in individuals constitute intervention by professionals with out risking personal freedoms and then how to treat those who need it.