I write this with a very heavy heart as Tucson is one of my favorite places in the whole world. I spent my college years there at the University of Arizona and as I tell most of my friends, "Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat". I lived very close to where this tragedy happened which made me realize that it can happen to any of us. This tragedy touches me in several ways. My husband is a politician, my son has a diagnosed mental illness, it happened at a place I am very familier with and I have friends who were near the action.
We often wonder what could cause someone to do something so horrific but the real question is why were we unable to stop it from happening in the first place. I ask that question because I so many times see families screaming for help only to be told "they are not a danger", "they are in full control", "they are dealing in reality" and many other things that are frustrating when trying to get help. In most cases, who knows these people best, the mental health professional who sees them for a five minute medication management or a 45 minute therapy session or the families who live with them 24 hours a day for most of their lifes.
In this particular case, Pima Community College had raised red flags about this student. Everyone keeps saying they should have reported him. I pose the question that if they did what would have been done. He had not hurt anyone, he had not threatened anyone, he had not done anything to anyone. So what would have been the reason to have him "locked up".
I have heard the news media say that the college notified the parents. Well what should the parents have done. Once a child reaches 18 years of age a parent is no longer privy to their medical records. In the case of psychiatric records, that can reach to the age of 15 in some states. This man was 22 years of age. So even if the parents were aware, what could they have done.
I can propose a scenario that I have heard over and over again. I want to make clear that I am not advocating that we lock people up and throw away the key. I do think, as with any illness, there is a responsibility to the person with the illness that society look out for their well being and the well being of those around them.
Scenario: John Smith has had many problems over the years growing up and never quite fit in. He has always been a bit of a recluse but never got into any trouble. He spends a lot of time playing video games, watches some tv and is an avid reader. He is very engrossed in politics and the unfairness of how certain things are put forth in this world. He will speak about this to few people because he does not trust anyone. He lives with his parents who are very concerned about him because he never socializes with anyone. He cannot keep a steady job and as time goes on seems to be coming more and more delusional about the state of the world. His parents have expressed concern to the authorities who have asked if anything has happened at home to which they reply no. One day, John gets very angry at his parents and starts throwing things, yelling and carrying on. His parents call 911 and he is taken to a local hospital. He is assessed and sent home saying he is no longer a danger to himself or others and competent to make his own decisions. He is now mad at his parents for making him go to the hospital. He becomes increasingly paranoid. Over time, his behavior becomes more and more irratic but not enough to call 911 but continues to be bizarre. Occassionally, John can be seen talking to himself as he walks places or driving down the street.
What would you do? Is this man a walking time bomb? Would you lock him up? Is he going to kill a member of congress or another person? Most likely not. However, clearly he needs help. But how do you make him get help. If he is unwilling to go and he is determined to be competent and able to make his own decisions how do you do this?
The incident in Arizona should be a wake up call to the nation that our mental health system is broken. We ignore the problems hoping they will go away . We treat people with mental illness like they are animals that should be locked up forever instead of people with an illness that need treatment. The funding is miniscule at best in most places. States that closed mental health hospitals and promised to put those dollars into community programs did not. Mental Illness is a treatable disease that with education, support and advocacy can help convince those who have it to seek treatment and help those families affected find resources to find help.
Seeking treatment is what we want people to do. But when we as a society put a label of shame on mental health issues those who may have looked for help will not. They feel they can conquer this problem. They cannot. It is a brain disorder and it can be devastating. We must find a way to help people when we see a problem. When someone like this man in Tucson is showing severe signs of mental illness don't throw it in the laps of the family. It is everyones responsiblilty to make sure that help is there. Help them understand the severity of the disease. Help them understand that it is not anyones fault. Help them get through the crisis. Refer them to NAMI so additional information is available. Knowledge is power Do I know this would have prevented this or that it did not happen? No, but perhaps it could have helped.
What this young man did was wrong. There is no doubt about that. My concern is as a society we must make sure we watch for the signs of trouble, we help the person heading for trouble, we help that person's family, and we make sure that this type of tragedy never happens again. Do I have all the answers, No. But I think we should open the dialogue to begin talking. Since Columbine we have seen too many killings that could have been prevented.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Congresswoman Gifford and her family, Christina Green and her family, Judge Roll and his family and all the others affected by this horrible crime. I know Tucson will be able to heal through prayer and community. The desert southwest is a strong and beautiful place that reminds you how beauty and ruggedness work together. God Bless Tucson.
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