It is to the point, that I can't not post about the horrific shooting that took place at a midnight The Dark Knight rises movie, for numerous reasons. First and for most, as someone who supports mental health awareness. For those of you who have read the book(s), this is a large theme in the books. Money has been directed away from mental health and to "more important things" such as repaving the highway, to the prison systems, city buildings and just poor spending by counties and cities. Events like this can be prevented with good solid early detection and treatment of mental health concerns. Due to the ongoing stigma by society and the media (it is all over every new channel using words like psychopath and crazy), those have has issues and want to get help are fearful that they will loose their jobs, friends and become more isolated if they get help. Not to mention when they get to the help, their insurance company won't cover it, they can't afford their medications or they are told by people that are against mental health professionals that they don't need to take their medications. With proper funding given to mental health preventions and quick treatment, money can be saved from court costs, prison systems and health care in general (Not to mention saving some lives).
People like to throw around the statement "He should have been in an institution", need a reality check. There are gone, our government got rid of them. A long time ago at that. There are short term stabilization centers (what we call or think of a 'psych wards' - which they are not called anymore anyway).
We as a society need to change the way we perceive mental health. It is the same and any other chronic medical illness, (i.e. Asthma and Diabetes). These diseases can be lived with if medications are taken and those suffering with these illnesses see their providers as recommended. We need to support those seeking treatment, not alienate them or fear them. For those who blame gun laws. Yes, it is concerning that someone can have so many guns, it is not the way of expression that should be blamed. A car in the wrong hands can be just as deadly as a gun. We need to take care of the underlying problem (untreated mental health concerns) and not put bandaids on an open guessing wound (gun laws).
However, there is responsibility. If someone with mental health concerns is given the option of treatment and has medications available and chooses not to utilize what they have at their disposal, then they need to be held accountable for their actions that are a result of their failure to treat their conditions. It they wanted help or didn't know they needed help plus they could afford it or didn't have access, then we as a society are to blame.
Okay, I will get off my soap box now.
On a more book related note. I have been notified by my editor the book 1 is in the hands of the US postal service and is on it's way to me. It should arrive on Monday or Tuesday. I look forward to seeing it and getting a chance to see her changes. It will then be followed by a phone meeting or meetings and further direction from there.
I will keep you all updated. Thank you all for your support and keep all those involved in the shooting in your prayers (that includes the shooter's family and friends).
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