Guns & The Mentally Ill

I have been sitting on this post for a while now.  In light of the recent slew of shootings I felt it was best to not jump on the band wagon and produce a rant blog.  Today, in my email, I received from Second Chance Campaign Organization a request that I look into how easily it is for the mentally ill to get a gun.  I hit the roof.

Historically, it has been widely believed those people with a mental disorder were more likely to be violent.  People tend to think those with a mental disorder are more inclined to act on impulses and thoughts and thus commit acts of violence.  This simply is not true.

I could quote some cliche' that guns don't kill people, people kill people, but rather why don't we agree that both do and in doing so take a look at the root causes of most violent crimes.  The lack of access to health care and the affordability of it.   Not everyone person who commits a violent crime or goes on a killing spree is mentally ill, yet it has become ever so popular for criminals to claim they have some disorder which made them commit the crime.  Think of Jerry Sandusky.

I believe its the lack of access and affordability to health care that is too blame.  Study after study shows that abuse of illegal drugs and alcohol lead to violence.  Study after study shows those with a mental disorder are no more violent than their "normal" counter parts if substance abuse is not involved.  I come to the conclusion then if we had better access to health care, i.e. mental health and substance abuse treatment, crimes rates would go down dramatically.  Its common sense.

Most people who suffer from some form of serious mental illness will admit to "self medicating" with drugs or alcohol before seeking and/or receiving treatment.  On the flip side most addicts/alcoholics will admits to have underlying psychological issues before abusing.  Its a circle.

In my experience in and out of the system both as a patient and advocate I have found those who suffer from either a mental disorder or addiction and receive proper care are less likely to every commit acts of violence.  This is exactly why better access and affordability are crucial if we are to stop acts of violence such as Aurora, Co, Columbine and VA Tech.

Last year two thirds of the nations states cut funding to mental health/substance abuse programs.  If we continue to do this our chances of catching a gunman, as in Aurora will decline.  Many states are transferring what funding is left to local agencies in the form of block grants and they are being combined with other programs.  As a result when these social service agencies are forced to compete with other local needs mental health/substance abuse treatment often suffers.  The result is society suffers as well as those who have mental disorder/substance addictions.

Having a mental disorder is more common that one might think.  It is estimated that one in four people have an untreated mental disorder.  It is also estimated that one in three people abuse illegal drugs and/or alcohol.  The consequences of not treating these illnesses is staggering.  More than 1/3 of the homeless population have untreated mental disorders and are more likely to commit suicide.  Almost 16% of the populations in jails in the US are comprised of those who have untreated mental/substance abuse issues.

The statistics are a direct and unmistakable reflection on the public's failure to provide adequate and affordable treatment for mental disorders and/or substance abuse/addiction.  The key here is the word "untreated".  With successful treatment, those who have a mental disorder and/or an addiction can go on to lead fulfilling lives, and make positive contributions to society.  The stigma of those who have a mental illness alone are violent has been around far to long.  Its just not that simple.

Its because of this stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction that keep many away from even seeking treatment.  Mental illness and addiction are very real diseases and can be effectively treated, just like diabetes.  However, when treatment is not received we see the horrific consequences as happened in Colorado.  Many warning signs were ignored and a tragedy happened.

This issue goes way beyond the recurring boxing cycle that plagues our country, and any solution requires a multi-pronged approach to both the shooter, the gun and underlying conditions.

One of the most obvious ways to reduce these types of tragedies is to provide accessible and affordable health care for the mentally ill/addicts.

The difference might be seen between the end result of James Holmes and former President Theodore Roosevelt.  Both had bipolar disorder.

We shouldn't have to be rich to be able to afford and have access to good, quality health care.  We need to strip away the stigma's associated with both mental illness and substance abuse/addiction.  They are illnesses and when treated correctly the outcome could be very different for our society.  After all, this is America, when did we stop being a shining example to the world?