GUN VIOLENCE CANNOT CONTINUE TO BE BLAMED ON THE MENTALLY ILL

Originally posted on Facebook May 27, 2022

Instead of doing a post about guns, plenty of people are engaging in that debate, I’m going to post about mental health.

Whenever there’s an act of violence to this level it’s always blamed on the mentally ill. Honestly any violent act seems to throw ownership at the mentally ill. I won’t argue that some of those people weren’t mentally ill, but not all of them were.

Let’s say they all were though. The appalling behaviors of a few will villainize an entire population. Much like how 911 villianized all Muslims or people from the Middle East. Much like how WWII villianized all Japanese or anyone who “looked” Japanese. It’s an unhealthy pattern that makes society at large feel safer. It’s an easier path than taking a step back to look at the larger picture. It’s definitely far easier than introspection. To say these tragic acts happened because of THOSE PEOPLE.

Yes people. They are all people.

So if everyone who has done something this heinous was mentally ill, then what’s the solution? Access to more resources: mental health professionals, higher levels of care, community supports. That should be the only answer to prevent this from continuing to happen.

I too have been violent towards others in my life. It was only a few times to specific individuals. Every single time I did it I felt scared and threatened. I did not initiate, it was in response to something happening to me such as domestic violence.

Something all of those times had in common is that my mental health wasn’t being properly managed. Because when I’m in therapy, taking my medications, and using my supports I am only at most a danger to myself. And that danger is most likely ignoring my boundaries and capacities or self-neglect. While that still isn’t ideal by any means, it’s moving in the right direction. I’m not a threat to the wellness of others.

Those who feel safe don’t attack. Those who have access to resources for when they don’t feel safe are far less likely to attack. In all my years in recovery and advocacy I have yet to meet a violent mentally ill person. And I’ve seen people at their absolute worst.

The narrative that all people with mental illnesses are dangerous is dangerous in itself. It’s going to make the weight of stigma even heavier for us. It’s going to continue to make us the “other”. We’re not on the opposing side of this tragedy, we’re standing right along side you. We’re feeling all the feelings of anger and grief.

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