Broken Mental Health System

Many factors play into societal violence. The welfare state is a significant player, and the one thing the Clintons got right was the notion of “super-predators,” where each generation begets another with more sociopathic tendencies. But here, I want to focus on our totally broken mental health system and some theorization on how it is driving violence.

Beginning in the 1950s, the ACLU decided that long-term, secure psychiatric hospitals were cruel and set about shutting them down. By the 1980s, few remained, and the mental health system began relying almost exclusively on 72-hour “holds,” commonly called an IVC (involuntary commitment) or Baker Act in Florida.

Healthcare Is a Revolving Door

The system devolved into a revolving door band-aid approach, relying on a slew of psychotropic drugs but lacking proper therapy and follow-up. You may recall that ADD/ADHD was the “rage” in the 80s and 90s. The Healthcare Industrial Complex diagnosed and drugged every kid to feed their system. In the late 1990s, when I became a cop, it seemed the American Psychiatric Association (APA) had revised many diagnostics in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

Why Was Manic Depression Renamed Bipolar?

One condition they renamed, I recall well, is that manic-depressive became bipolar. Well, what’s in a name, right? In the early 2000s, I also noticed that Big Pharma released numerous new drugs, and as a result, they suddenly labeled everyone with a mood swing bipolar (see also “Labeling Theory”). In the latter half of my career, I noticed everyone seemed to be labeled (diagnosed, cough cough) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD/PTS).

How Are Medications Affecting Violence?

What I theorize is happening is that the non-stop barrage of constantly changing behavioral and psychiatric (psychotropic) medications is adversely affecting many patients’ brains. We all know how alcoholics need more and more alcohol as tolerance builds. Diet pills become ineffective for the same reason.

We know narcotic pain medications bind to pain receptors to trick the body into thinking it is in more pain than it is, creating dependency and addiction. What I think is happening with psychotropics is similar. The drugs are damaging or altering the brain, so patients lacking the therapy they really need are constantly on and off medications, getting worse. Of course, Big Pharma will not research this because it would affect profits.

Mass Shootings and Mental Disorders

Time and time again, in “mass shootings,” we find shooters with long psychiatric histories who have been on and off medications. What we must do is rebuild mental health from the ground up, stop total reliance on medications, focus on other therapies, and bring back long-term psychiatric hospitals to provide actual treatment for those with serious mental illnesses that can lead to violence.

Failed Mental Health Approach

As long as we keep trying a failed approach, we will see increasing problems with violence caused by those suffering from mental illnesses. Such is my opinion! If you’re interested, I discuss this in more detail in my Second Amendment book, INFRINGED.

What are the signs of PTSD in first responders?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The nature of their work exposes first responders to distressing situations like accidents, violence, and fatalities, which can lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These traumatic experiences can manifest as symptoms of PTSD, including:

Intrusive Memories

Recurring and distressing thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks of traumatic incidents.

Avoidance Behavior

Efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, including people, places, or activities associated with the event.

Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition

Feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating and remembering.

Heightened Arousal

Increased irritability, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response.

How does PTSD affect the workplace?

The presence of PTSD within departments can have several adverse effects on both the affected personnel and the overall workplace environment.

Job Performance

People dealing with PTSD may struggle with decision-making, concentration, and emotional regulation, affecting their ability to perform their duties effectively.

Interpersonal Relationships

The emotional toll of PTSD can strain relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and even family members.

Reduced Coping Skills

People may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or isolation, without proper support.

Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help

Fear of stigma and repercussions might discourage people from seeking help for their mental health struggles.

What coping strategies work best for PTSD?

To address PTSD in police departments and with other first responders, it’s crucial to foster a work environment that prioritizes mental health and provides adequate support.

Education and Awareness

Training programs can help raise awareness of PTSD, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking help. This reduces stigma and promotes a culture of understanding.

Access to Counseling Services

Offering confidential and specialized counseling services ensures people have a safe space to discuss their experiences and receive professional support.

Peer Support Programs

Establishing peer support networks allows people to talk to colleagues who have experienced similar situations, creating a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Regular Mental Health Check-ins

Incorporating routine mental health assessments can help identify signs of PTSD early and provide timely interventions.

Flexible Work Policies

Allowing personnel to take breaks, seek support, and access resources when needed can reduce stress and promote a healthier work-life balance.

Resilience Training

Providing personnel with training in stress management and resilience-building techniques equips them with the tools to cope effectively with traumatic experiences.

Addressing PTSD in first responders requires a proactive approach that acknowledges people’s challenges and provides a comprehensive support system. By prioritizing mental health awareness, breaking down stigma, and fostering a supportive work environment, departments can ensure the well-being of their personnel while maintaining a resilient and effective workforce. Ultimately, this approach benefits individual first responders and contributes to safer and stronger communities.