using mental health as a defence of criminal activity is why there is so much stigma attached to mental health issues
having mental health issues shouldn't become a defence it should just be taken into consideration during sentencing
i do know what i am talking about
i have done many a thread on here about my own struggles
and threads on how to cope
https://counter.social/@ecksmc/105420335224118631
https://counter.social/@ecksmc/105420335224118631
I have been in prison also where my mental health was ignored during the sentencing
@ecksmc
It is important to talk about these things, I agree wholeheartedly! Not sure I have any answers. I don't. But mental health should never be stigmatized.
the issue is that everyone is too quick to either show sympathy for the criminal because of mental health or stigmatis mental health
there is no real answer really
some are deffo using mental health as a get out jail free card also < playing the system against the system > due to lack of resources > it works
in Scotland defendants get, or can ask for, background reports < courts usually ask for them
they reports come from the defendants GP, social workers, or any other org they are engaged with like addiction teams or mental health orgs - if the defendant hasn't been engaged with anyone a social worker is appointed to do the report which can lead to GPs, therapists etc and other orgs getting involved
then during sentencing they reports are taken into consideration by the judge
media outlets have a lot to do with the stigma surrounding it all
always wanting to report on this one and that one having issues when they committed crimes is a big reason we see so much stigma
@ecksmc
I live in the US, as you know, and there is some very ill-will towards white criminals who have committed some heinous crime against black people and then used mental illness as an excuse.
So, it is complicated! I agree!
It shouldn't be an excuse, and it shouldn't be stigmatized. Mental illness is real and if someone is struggling, they should get help.
Wish I had a magic wand and the wisdom to fix all this. 😟