Editorial 
By Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts
Published: Wednesday, 04/25/07 in Tennessee Voices

Don't jump to point blame and shame of violence at the mentally ill

The recent events at Virginia Tech were both tragic and horrifying. Innocent people died as a result of one man's acts of violence. I express my deepest sympathies to all Tennesseans who have been affected by this incident, and my thoughts and prayers are with those who lost friends and loved ones.

As the information unfolds, It is clear that government officials, the media and the general public are struggling to identify if and how mental illness and violence are connected. In fact, there is no correlation of a greater incidence of violence among those who have a mental illness than among those who don't. Studies have repeatedly shown how rare it is for a person with a mental illness to commit an act of violence, especially violence proportionate to that of the recent shootings at Virginia Tech.

Rather, current research demonstrates that people with mental illness are 2.5 times more likely to be the victims of violence than other members of society. In addition, when violence and mental illness do coincide, it is almost always in situations in which the mental illness is untreated.

Therefore, society must not let highly publicized, poorly understood, complex events such as the Virginia Tech incident worsen the stigma that already surrounds the one out of four Americans experiencing a mental illness. We do not want people to be too embarrassed or ashamed to seek treatment because they fear that they (or their loved ones) might get labeled and put in a category of people to be feared. These feelings will only lead to further isolation of and discrimination against those who can benefit from mental-health services and treatment but are reluctant to seek them.

In 2007, we can accurately diagnose and successfully treat mental disorders - even serious mental illnesses - at the same rate or better than other physical illnesses. Treatments for mental illness are effective especially when they are sought early and are followed through with continuity and fidelity, just as we would do with heart disease, diabetes or hypertension.

Tennesseans can learn much from this recent tragedy. We must acknowledge that mental health is a fundamental requirement for the health of an individual and each community. We must work to assure that all citizens have access to mental health services. No one should be ashamed to seek needed treatment.

When we misinterpret mental illnesses as illnesses of blame and shame, we are making life more complicated for an already vulnerable population and are preventing access to health services that can improve quality of life for us all.

Remember, people with mental illness are your neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends. Do not be afraid to reach out to them in their time of need and encourage them to seek the appropriate treatment and support that lead to recovery and a successful, productive life.