Here We Are Again

There are many things I’d rather be writing about today. Unfortunately, the country is once again dealing with the aftermath of a mass shooting, this time in Lewiston, Maine. And so here we go again, as the nation hits play on its mass shooting reactions, reactions that have come out far too often in recent years.

For some, this means blaming mental illness. In the vast majority of mass shootings, mental illness is not to blame. While it is true that this particularly shooting seems to be related to mental illness, the fact is that those with mental health conditions are far more likely to be victims of violence. If politicians want to fund mental healthcare, want to have a serious discussion of mental illness, that is fantastic. Yet it should be its own conversation, not one that only happens after tragedy.

Some have taken it a step further, suggesting that mental health medications are to blame. This only further stigmatizes mental health medication. It is dangerous, and will harm those who might be scared away from something that can be a valuable part of recovery. Yes, mental health medications can have some serious side effects. However, the last time I checked mass murder wasn’t one of them.

As I said, this does seem to be a case where mental illness is involved. That does not in and of itself make mental illness dangerous any more than this shooting makes people named Robert dangerous. While there is a discussion to be had about mental health and guns, it is far more narrow than some would suggest, perhaps limited to how to best craft red flag laws to keep guns out of those who are at risk of harming themselves or someone else.

Others politicians have suggested reopening the mental health institutions of the past and making it easier to involuntarily commit someone. This is not only a potential violation of those people’s rights, but a massive step backwards toward a world that was full of abuse and maltreatment.

So, here we are again. Mourning those lost to violence we can’t understand. Angry about the lack of action from our elected officials. And frustrated by stigmatizing conversations that detract from actual solutions. We can do better. The only question is will we ever get there.