Myths About the Links Between Mental Illness and Violence

[harrietbrown]

In my opinion, everybody needs to read this (crossposted to my journal):

http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/facts.aspx

Comments

[harrietbrown]

As the article pointed out, there are other factors that contribute to the propensity for violence among the people with a psychiatric diagnosis, including substance abuse, a history of physical or sexual abuse, unemployment and other stressors.

I have friends who have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and as long as they handle the stress in their lives, and have a strong support system, they do fine. They mostly use a combination of talk therapy, medication, family support, peer support, and other positive stress relievers, like exercise or creative outlets. Also, knowing when to take a break is important, too.

I feel safe around my friends, too, and I know they wouldn't hurt me.

Are you troubled by worrying about what others think, or the possibility that he might one day not have such good control over himself?

[harrietbrown]

A stable and loving home environment goes a long way in helping the healing process, especially for someone who has been traumatized.

I don't know if you're familiar with it, but NAMI has a Family-to-Family education class geared toward loved ones of people living with a diagnosis, which teaches skills to cope with crises and difficult periods. There are also modules that teach about the different mental illnesses. I know people who have derived a great of benefit from it.

[harrietbrown]

Yep, and you can whip the statistics out at cocktail parties or other situations when someone starts shooting their mouth off about "those people."

I think I'm going to use these stats when I do educational outreaches to the public. In fact, I already did that today.

[iceblink]

Thanks for posting this. I was brave enough to put it on my Facebook (and sort of out myself).

[harrietbrown]

Congratulations on coming out of the closet! That took a lot of courage, and you never know who you will have helped by revealing yourself.

Feel free to share widely!