Title: The Problem With Blaming Mass Shootings On Mental Illness
Headings: The Problem With Blaming Mass Shootings On Mental Illness
The Problem With Blaming Mass Shootings On Mental Illness
Helping people with mental illness requires thoughtful responses, not stereotyping.
Addressing Mental Illness Won’t Prevent Mass Shootings
Mentally Ill People Can Recover
Either Mentally Ill People Are Responsible Or They Aren’t
Making People Dependent Reduces Hope for Recovery

Content: But if they are capable of being held responsible, such government interference will likely do more harm than good. Either Mentally Ill People Are Responsible Or They Aren’t
Welfare programs and the public mental health system are supposed to be a safety net that provide temporary aid to people with a demonstrable need—not a permanent support structure. They are supposed to help people move into the most self-sufficient, gratifying life possible. Although some people with mental illness may not be able to live fully autonomous lives without support, most are more capable than we’ve previously given them credit for. They are capable, in other words, of recovery. Mental health supports are supposed to help people move into the most self-sufficient, gratifying life possible. Traditional, paternalistic policies that do not focus on recovery just squander taxpayer dollars and corrupt the human soul. Our current mental health system too often rips people away from their family, church, or community, making them feel like they don’t belong. It dehumanizes them and treats them as if they are a plague on society, unable to recover. People stuck in this system can get by, but they do not thrive.