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The Help That Came Too Late: Another Look At Mental Illness In Violence
Surviving Trauma: Mental Illness and Its Effects on Behavior
I know someone who survived child and sexual abuse, abandonment, rejection, and ostracism. This individual, cast out by some loved ones and associates, faced unimaginable challenges. At one point during their youth, they were institutionalized after threatening to commit suicide, overwhelmed by the weight of their experiences.
This person has walked through the shadowy depths of the mind—anxiety, loneliness, depression, and rage. In their despondency, pain evolved into anger, and bitterness transformed into hatred. There were moments when they imagined revenge against those who had wronged them. In such times, their options seemed limited, and the emotional storm within was nearly impossible to contain.
Eventually, they sought clinical intervention. Therapy and medication, combined with counsel from a trusted friend, provided a way forward. Yet, they often claimed it was the peace of God that ultimately kept them from self-harm or harming others. In their loneliest moments, when support was absent and medication failed, they prayed. While faith isn’t the focus here, for some, it provides a critical lifeline.
What remains evident is that many people with mental illness lack access to clinical help, social support, or spiritual guidance from their families, friends, or communities. This void leaves individuals isolated, compounding their struggles.
Understanding the Link Between Mental Illness and Violence
Let’s define mental illness for clarity. The Mayo Clinic describes it as a “range of mental health conditions or disorders that affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior.” Similarly, the American Psychiatric Association notes that mental illnesses are associated with “distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities.”
Despite extensive research, misconceptions about mental illness persist. Some dismiss it as a hoax or a fabricated issue. Such beliefs stem from ignorance. Psychological abnormalities are real, with significant socio-environmental impacts. As someone who has witnessed mental illness firsthand, I can attest to its validity.
Consider the emotional aftermath of living in dysfunctional households, enduring abuse, or surviving traumatic events like domestic violence and abandonment. Emotions do not simply vanish into a void; they manifest in behavior. The ripple effects can be profound, shaping lives in ways many fail to acknowledge.
How Mental Illness Influences Violent Tendencies
Advancements in technology grant us real-time access to news, often highlighting violent crimes. In some cases, these acts are linked to mental illness. A perpetrator may have ceased taking medication, lacked social support, or never sought a clinical diagnosis, allowing their disorder to spiral out of control.
Research shows the connection between mental illness and violence is nuanced. According to Stuart (2003), “mental disorders are neither necessary nor sufficient causes of violence, whereas substance abuse is a major determinant.” The MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study found that 31% of individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and psychiatric disorders committed violent acts compared to 18% with only a psychiatric disorder (“Mental Illness and Violence,” 2011). Other studies provide varying insights, but the underlying message is clear: the potential for violence increases with untreated or mismanaged mental health conditions.
Substance Abuse and Its Role in Mental Illness and Violence
Traumatic experiences often lead victims to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, seeking relief from anxiety or depression. Over time, dependency forms, worsening emotional instability. Without proper treatment, such instability can result in violence—either self-directed or aimed at others.
While not all violent crimes stem from mental illness, the outcomes are devastating. Even a single act of violence can shatter lives and communities. For families and victims, the pain and loss are immeasurable.
Scientific Research in Mental Illness and Violence
Research highlights the challenges in linking mental illness to violence. For example, Fazel et al. (2014) examined over 24,000 patients with schizophrenia in Sweden, finding that 10.7% of men and 2.7% of women were convicted of violent offenses (“Risk Factors for Violence,” 2016). Yet, as Miller (2017) notes, only 3-5% of all violence is attributable to serious mental illness.
Unfortunately, incarceration often exacerbates these issues. NAMI reports that 2 million individuals with mental illness are jailed annually, many for non-violent offenses. Within these institutions, untreated conditions deteriorate, doubling the likelihood of re-arrest.
A Call to Action
Addressing mental illness and violence requires proactive measures. If someone you know shows signs of mental illness, encourage them to seek clinical help. Be their support system throughout the process. Avoid negative behaviors like belittling or agitation, which can worsen existing issues. Together, we can foster understanding and compassion, paving the way for healing and prevention.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (n. d.). What Is Mental Illness? Retrieved April 7, 2019 from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness.
Mayo Clinic. (n. d.). Mental Illness. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968.
Mental Illness and Violence. (2011). Retrieved April 7, 2019 from https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/mental-illness-and-violence.
Miller, J. (2017). Gun Violence and Mental Illness: Myths and Evidence-Based Facts. Retrieved April 7, 2019 http://www.amhca.org/blogs/joel-miller/2017/10/03/gun-violence-and-mental-illnessmyths-and-evidence-based-facts.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n. d.). Jailing People With Mental Illness. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from https://www.nami.org/learn-more/public-policy/jailing-people-with-mental-illness.
Risk Factors For Violence In Serious Mental Illness. (2016). Retrieved April 7, 2019 from https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/evidence-and-research/learn-more-about/3633-risk-factors-for-violence-in-serious-mental-illness.
Stuart, H. (2003). Violence and Mental Illness: An Overview. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1525086/.
Updated January 2, 2025
