The events in Arizona, as well as the recent events surrounding a formerly homeless man named Ted Williams, has really shaken this psychologist up!
A man with obvious schizophrenia or some type of psychosis committed a horrendous act in Arizona. Ironically, the VAST majority of individuals with psychotic disorders NEVER commit such atrocities. Indeed they are scared of society and fall victim to their own fears, which cause them to isolate and not interact with others let alone attack people.
Yet, too often we hear reports of the deranged "mad man" and how society has to arm itself against such "psycho degenerates." That's right mentally ill and addicted individuals have been described by pundits as "psycho degenerates."
At the same time, a formerly homeless man dubbed the "golden voice" who fell on tough times prior to an addiction issue or perhaps due to an addiction issue is suddenly described as a "charlatan" or an "immoral con man!"
Folks don't you realize that if we took everyone out of society who was mentally ill or had the disease of addiction Fortune 500 companies would fail, show business would cease to exist, government would grind to a halt and I dare say even medicine would suffer. Yes even doctors, lawyers, accountants, managing directors, politicians, priests, rabbis, reverends all have earned the right to be alcoholics and addicted to substances.
When will it stop? When will we realize that mental illness and addiction are primary, progressive, chronic and if not treated fatal diseases. They affect every aspect of society and often these individuals destroy themselves as their desperate loved ones watch.
We all know them AND they very rarely shoot people or hurt others but hurt themselves. Mental illness and addiction are equal opportunity offenders. They are not racist, classist, or sexist!
I strongly encourage you not to get caught up in the sensationalism and reach out and help these people because they are your neighbors, your friends, your loved ones - they are you!
