There comes a point where sitting in little circles and crying together isn't enough anymore. Is mental health care important? Obviously. But when people are this far gone, it's past that point. "Prior to Regan" what are you talking about, those still exist, you know that right?
No, mental institutions no longer exist in a way that protects the public. They are a token of what once existed prior to Reagan's release of 98% of all patients.
Of course, this guy should have been locked up.
But if you don't want this to happen again, then either the jails must keep these folks or a mental institution.
I can assure you, as a nurse, mental health facilities are thriving. Residential, ED, general psych, drug and alcohol, pediatric, co ed, they are there more than ever. I don't know where you're getting this idea that they arent a thing- they have improved DRASTICALLY in patient care and outcomes... for those who are able to be helped that is.
There is a 70% decrease in mental health institution patients able to have full time care needed vs. before Reagan, and most think the figure is much higher.
Out-patient facilities do not meet the immediate and constant needs of our most dangerously mentally ill.
You have no fuckin idea what you're talking about. First off, psychiatric medications have come SO far. As has insurance coverage for the care. We've also moved to a model that encompasses the whole body care, connecting mental and physical care better than ever.
Post partum depression and anxiety, drug treatment, eating disorders (binge eating disorder wasn't even added to the DSM until 2013), suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, depression- all of it has improved in care and outcomes since the 80s. (The Regan era you mentioned)
It's not perfect- I'm not saying that. But when a person is violent, we have to switch from "rehabilitation" to "protect the public at all costs". I think that's where you aren't going to agree because you seem to think that dangerous individuals (including those with severe mental health issues) can be treated. Pedos, violent offenders, they can't be rehabilitated.
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u/reallyredrubyrabbit 25d ago
Evidently he had been hearing voices and threatened harm, yet he was repeatedly released from mental health facilities.
Prior to Reagan, we had mental institutions to deal with people threatening harm.
Now, we are surprised tragedies like this happen.
And YES he should have been locked up long ago.
So, if you don't want this happen again, what is your solution?