With so many shootings, culturally we need to think more about mental health. The problem is more than just guns. Stigma results in resistance to discussion and untreated mental illness. Additionally, Americans must be able to report concerns for people exhibiting symptoms outside mere "threat to self or others" standard. When delusions and behavior indicate possible risk, assessment and course of action should be taken, outside a court room hearing preliminarily. With respect of HIPPA and privacy considered. By the time the threat is spoken and guns secretively accumulated, it is too often, too late. Intervention should be to get people help. These laws must be reviewed. On a proactive level, we must address mental health from pediatrics to geriatrics, for all of us. Why aren't mental health screens as common as listening to heart and lungs, checking ear, nose throat? Prevention starts with early intervention, education and inclusion of mental health in overall wellness considerations. At annual check ups. When we openly talk to our doctor about our mental health from childhood and think of it as part of overall wellness, as something all of us must do, the stigma barrier comes down. It becomes normal like a discussion of exercise or nutrition. We all have mental health to consider, the brain organ to maintain, like we do the health of our heart, lungs, kidneys, livers, etc. Mental illness and mental health are two sides to the same coin; both sides must be addressed. It's more than just gun control. Mental illness is not to be confused with pathological deviancy. However, violent pathology has its inception in mental illness untreated. All mental illness does not result in shootings, but all untreated mental illness results ultimately in devastating escalations, such as suicide. It's time for discussion. The issues are as complex as the brain organ. From these tragedies, may necessary talk and action ensue: commissions, responsible reporting, news stories and facilitated public discussions. "There is no health without mental health."
My deepest condolences are for the family members who lost loved ones to these senseless shootings.
My deepest condolences are for the family members who lost loved ones to these senseless shootings.