Is Lack of Access to Treatment Causing National Tragedies?
Written by Mark Lounsbury, Posted on , in Section Stress Relief
In the past year, there have been a number of mass shootings that have occurred around the country. At this point, almost everyone is familiar with what took place at Sandy Hook, Aurora, and the Washington Naval Yard. In the days since these tragedies, there has been a massive public uproar, resulting in new calls for more through gun regulations. However, this focus on regulating gun access as a means to stop these events from occurring ignores the eerie fact that almost every mass shooting has involved a killer who did not receive treatment for a severe mental disorder. Without the help they need, these individuals have been driven to engage in heinous acts. The obvious conclusion that can be drawn from this fact is that increased focus on identifying mental illnesses and finding appropriate treatment is necessary to keep these incidents from occurring.
Is Addressing Mental Health Issues Early The Only Way To Treat Them Effectively?
Another important thing we can learn from these terrible shootings, beyond simply the need for mental health treatment, is the importance of addressing mental health problems before they manifest themselves in terrible ways. In a recent article published by The Atlantic, it was reported that the National Institute of Mental Health has recently finished a long-term project that was attempting to deal with the results of serious disorders like schizophrenia through early intervention. The results of this study have clearly shown how much more likely it is for serious problems to arise in those who do not receive treatment. Furthermore, the study identified a crucial period during which treatment and medical assistance can make a substantial difference. If this window is missed, then improvement becomes much more unlikely. What must be taken away from these findings is the necessity of providing timely and appropriate care to every individual who is experiencing mental health problems. As a society, we must make this a priority.
