As I prepared my son for school this morning, I followed my usual routine: I opened my laptop to catch up on the latest news. Unsurprisingly, the headlines were dominated by the tragic events of the previous day—a devastating attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas, where 26 innocent lives were taken and many others injured. However, what caught my attention were the misguided and harmful discussions surrounding mental health that followed.
In the wake of this tragedy, some public figures, including political leaders, are quick to attribute such horrific acts to mental illness. A prominent example is a recent statement from a high-ranking official who insisted that gun violence is a “mental health problem.” This narrative is often favored by those who resist meaningful gun control measures and instead deflect attention onto mental health.
Let’s be clear: this is not only misleading but also incredibly damaging. While it is true that some individuals who commit violent acts may struggle with mental health issues, research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveals that the vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. In fact, only 3% to 5% of violent acts can be linked to individuals living with serious mental illnesses. Moreover, individuals with severe mental health challenges are more than ten times more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
As someone who advocates for comprehensive mental health care, I am deeply concerned about the mischaracterization of mental illness in the context of crime. Reducing the conversation to a simplistic “crazy” narrative not only perpetuates stigma but also diverts attention from the complex issues that contribute to violence—issues such as accessibility, accountability, and the need for gun reform.
Every time a mass shooting occurs, discussions inevitably veer toward the mental health of the perpetrator. While it is natural to seek explanations for such incomprehensible acts, we must remember that a criminal’s behavior cannot be solely attributed to mental illness. As Dr. Lisa Harrington, a professor of psychology, points out, there are numerous factors at play that are more predictive of violent behavior, including access to firearms, substance abuse, and a history of violent behavior.
The reality is that the individual responsible for the attack in Texas was a murderer and a terrorist, driven by a desire to inflict harm. It is crucial for all of us to choose our words carefully, especially those in positions of power. As Mental Health America recently emphasized, if our leaders are genuinely interested in addressing mental health issues, they must take action now.
As we process our feelings of anger, fear, and sadness in the aftermath of such tragedies, let’s redirect our discussions toward the core issues. Let’s ask critical questions: Why do we allow ordinary citizens to own assault rifles? What are the reasons behind lax regulations on gun sales? Why do we lack comprehensive background checks?
The true issue lies in the accessibility of firearms, and it is imperative that we advocate for gun control reforms without delay. If you’re interested in learning more about fertility options, check out this great resource on fertility boosters for men. For further reading on related health topics, see Women’s Health, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, let’s strive to have informed discussions that focus on the real issues at hand rather than stigmatizing mental illness.