Have we learned from Virginia Tech?

This past weekend, a documentary aired about a mentally ill man in New Mexico who went on a killing spree. While there were symptoms and treatment preceding the event, it still transpired. Relatives and commentators blamed the mental health system.

Days after the airing of the show, a Virginia Tech student killed over 30 people on the campus. The mental health system, among other things, was blamed.

The symptoms were as plain as day, starting with the stalking of a couple women. Apparently, he imposed himself repeatedly with annoying and disturbing messages, which is a red flag. The stalker psychosis usually follows the steps of infatuation (often, one way), obsession and then hostility.

While he spoke with few people, his writings were his rants. They reflected anger and violence. These people are frequently enraged by things; usually things that they imagine to be true or that just don’t bother normal people very much. They also dwell upon violence and/or weapons.

All the signs were there that he was a ticking bomb. At several junctures, he was referred or ordered into therapy. So, the mental health system did fail?

The mental health system can only do what funding, law and the client permits. These factors do not facilitate enforced resident care of every one who presents symptoms.

It is estimated that one person in five is diagnosable at any given time. This isn’t to say that 20% of us are dangerous. That would be a small portion of that.

The remainder corresponds somewhat to medical ailments. Some people have chronic illnesses, and others can “catch” something, as when a traumatic event triggers clinical depression or other problems. Sufferers do not admit to a mental illness and submit to treatment the way they would with another disease. And, for some reason, we do not fund treatment on a par with medical illnesses. This is true on the government subsidized side, but is even worse when it comes to insurance.

We are limited as to what we can do to impose treatment upon someone. In most cases, we have no more right to require someone to go to treatment or be hospitalized for a psychosis than we do for a heart condition. And, if we did, there are scarce facilities for it, and they are dwindling.

The mentally ill often avoid treatment, or submit and “walk though the motions.” Being dysfunctional, they frequently do not even perceive that their behavior and thoughts are vastly different from the vast majority of “normal” people.”

Until the day comes when there is funding, facilities and authority to address the mentally ill, do what you can on your own. Learn to recognize the signs (obsessions, outbursts, hostility, excessive reclusion or attention seeking, delusions, etc.). You can tell the difference between chronic symptoms and someone having that bad day.

If you are close to someone, you may be able to sell the benefits of getting treatment. If not, avoid confrontation or even contact. Do not argue with the mentally ill. Facts and logic mean nothing to them. They have their own reality and you’re not going to change that.

Document any hostile actions or communications you receive from them and notify the proper people about it. If they refer to others, pass it along. They should be made aware that they are targeted and what they’re dealing with.

Just as many people suffer allergies, a multitude suffers mental illness. They are all around you, so do what you can.

The person you are in the best position to help is yourself. If you can see that you are above average on the curves of depression, anger, frustration, conflicts, etc., seek help. There’s a better life available to you, but you have to make the decision to get it.