I woke up yesterday to the sound of tiny footsteps padding across the floor, and I smiled as my little one wriggled into the warmth of my bed. In those quiet moments, under the soft blanket of dawn, everything felt just right. I thought to myself, today would be a good day.
But then I turned on the news. Another mass shooting had occurred, leaving hundreds injured and dozens dead. The figures were staggering — 58 lives lost in Las Vegas alone. Instinctively, I worried about my loved ones. Were they safe? Where were they? This led to a wave of emotions: the anger, the sadness, the overwhelming grief.
Once again, we found ourselves turning against each other in the aftermath. Social media erupted into a battleground, with debates about gun control and violence raging fiercely. Some voices demanded an end to all gun sales, while others proudly displayed their concealed carry permits. Amidst it all, the blame shifted to mental illness: “He must have been crazy,” they said, or “Only mentally ill people commit these kinds of acts.”
Let’s be clear: While some individuals who commit crimes may grapple with mental health challenges, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has found that only about 3% to 5% of violent acts are committed by those with serious mental illnesses. In fact, individuals with severe mental health issues are more than ten times more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
I am a strong advocate for thorough mental health care; I believe in the importance of proper screenings and treatment. However, the dialogue should not revolve around labeling people as “crazy” or “mentally ill.” It’s crucial to recognize that criminal behavior is rooted in a criminal mindset, not in mental illness alone.
As Jonathan Metzl, a professor at Vanderbilt University, points out, while some mass shooters may display psychiatric symptoms, many other factors come into play, like access to firearms, substance abuse, and prior violent behavior. The Las Vegas shooter was not simply a man battling mental illness; he was a murderer and a terrorist, intent on causing harm.
So, let’s be mindful of our words. In the wake of tragedy, it’s easy to let anger cloud our judgment. Instead of perpetuating stigma, we should be asking why average citizens can purchase assault rifles, why semi-automatic weapons are still legal, and why background checks are often insufficient. The issue isn’t “crazy people.” The real problem lies in the accessibility of dangerous weapons to anyone, regardless of their mental state.
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In summary, it’s time to break free from the stigma surrounding mental health. By redirecting our focus from blaming mental illness for violent crimes, we can address the underlying issues and advocate for meaningful change in our society.