Bigotry, violence are not ‘mental health problems’

November 23, 2022

Good morning, MindSite News readers. We had not intended to publish a newsletter this week, but we feel a sense of moral urgency to express our sadness and dismay with the vicious hate crime that took place last weekend in Colorado Springs – and to say something about the hollow, default expression that occurs after every such act of mass murder.

We know that, as has occurred after so many other tragedies, some people will characterize this as a “mental health problem.” To be sure, the mental health system of this country has massive failings. But the horror of mass shootings and the increased climate of hate and violence targeting LGBTQ+ communities and communities of color — a climate we have sadly spent a lot of time reporting about — are failures of political rhetoric, public policy and protection, not mental illness.

Homophobia and racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are not mental disorders, and people who suffer from mental illness should not be stigmatized for the acts of violent bigots. The true responsibility lies with those who sow hatred and foment violence with ugly rhetoric.

May the memories of those who died at the Q Club be a blessing for those who knew and loved them, and may their deaths be a catalyst for change.

---

We want to wish all of our readers a peaceful and restorative Thanksgiving. In that spirit, we have published today an interview with Bob Sege, a professor of pediatrics at Tufts University who studies childhood trauma and resilience. In the interview he shares his suggestions for dealing with some of the difficulties and tensions that arise with family holidays like Thanksgiving. We hope you will find it helpful.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect in English or Spanish. If you’re a veteran press 1. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing dial 711, then 988. Services are free and available 24/7.

---