The link between mental health and violence is widely used in all sectors of society. People with mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (BD) are considered to be abusive and tend to make serious retreats, including assault, theft and murder, among others.
A 2016 study by North Carolina State University, RTI International, The University of Arizona, and Duke University Medical Center for the Victimization of People with Mental Illness showed that violence is inextricably linked to mental disorders.
One violent event leads to 39 other additional effects.
In the course of the study, 3,473 responses answered questions related to violence and victimization. The study involved the following two fundamental questions:
- If someone is a victim, is he or she more likely to be violent?
- If someone is cruel, maybe he or she is more prone to sacrifice?
In addition to violence and victimization, the study also emphasized that affective symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, etc., are closely related to violence. As Sara Desmaris, an associate professor of psychology at the state of NC and co-author of the article, explained: "The more pronounced affective symptoms were, the more likely it was that someone would commit violence and become a victim of violence."
Even a single violent incident involving a mentally ill person can be disastrous due to the prevailing bias and delusion in society. Regardless of whether the victim or the perpetrator, the price is often paid mentally ill. According to the researchers, even one victimization event is responsible for causing seven other consequences, such as psychological symptoms, homelessness, the emergence of perpetrators of violence and others. These seven effects, in turn, caused an additional 39 effects.
To prevent this vicious cycle, the study required an investment in community-based mental health treatment programs. Community-based social programs are more effective in reducing violent events than expecting patients to appear in legal documents as victims or perpetrators of violence, the researchers said.
Help is just a call
For most patients with mental health problems, the path to well-being and recovery begins at home. Most mental disorders can be managed with medication, therapy and counseling. Progress in technology has given a reasonable lever for the treatment of mental health. In addition to the family, public medical centers have so far demonstrated remarkable efficiency in the care of the mentally ill.
Mental health disorders can negatively affect a person’s personal and professional life. Untreated mental disorders also affect the health of caregivers, family members, and friends. However, mental disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible through evidence-based diagnostic and treatment programs. Many people with mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, lead productive lives and succeed in their respective fields.
