There are several common stereotypes regarding the relationship between mental health and behaviors such as violence, terrorism and self-harm. It is important to challenge these misconceptions through public education. Informed discourse and aiming for long-term solutions will balance societal safety and well-being. 

Individuals with mental illness are often perceived as inherently violent or dangerous. However, according to a 2021 study by the American Psychological Association, mental illness alone is not a significant predictor of violence. In fact, those who suffer from mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Substance abuse, treatment noncompliance or psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations are other factors that increase the risk of violence in individuals with mental health issues.. Furthermore, situational stressors such as job loss and physical illness and environmental factors entailing pollution, heat stress and noise also play crucial roles.

Mental health and the media

The media perpetuates stigma by highlighting rare cases of violence involving mental-health issues, discouraging individuals from seeking help due to fear of being labeled dangerous or unstable, despite most violent acts being committed by those without diagnosed conditions.

Portrayals in media are one of the primary mechanisms by which stereotypes about mental illness and violence are perpetuated through media portrayals. News reports frequently highlight the mental health status of perpetrators following acts of violence, often without substantial evidence. This pattern, often seen in the case of mass shootings, creates a misleading association between mental illness and violence.  This was demonstrated in the case of Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter. Despite extensive investigations revealing no definitive diagnosis of psychosis, initial media speculation cemented the stereotype in the public’s mind.

Popular media also plays a significant role in reinforcing these stereotypes. Horror films and crime dramas often depict mentally ill characters as violent and dangerous, creating a narrative that those with mental health issues are inherently threatening. This portrayal not only perpetuates fear and misunderstanding but also dehumanizes individuals with mental illness.

In this vein, another factor responsible for the exacerbation of mental health crises is scapegoating. Scapegoating consolidates the persistence of stereotypes about mental illness and violence. By attributing acts of violence to mental illness, society shifts blame away from other contributing factors, such as access to firearms, social inequality and substance abuse. This scapegoating is evident in political and media rhetoric, which often emphasizes mental illness as a primary cause of violence following mass shootings.

Terrorism

After a 2012 shooting at an Aurora, Colorado movie theatre that killed 12 and injured 70, it was discovered that the shooter, James Holmes, was diagnosed with schizophrenia. His lawyers used this diagnosis to argue that he was temporarily insane at the time of the shooting because he was in the throes of a psychotic episode. In a July 31, 2012 article, Time magazine argued that stigmatization can “exacerbate existing symptoms of delusion, disconnection from reality, social withdrawal and lack of emotion,” and could have played a role in Holmes’ actions. 

There is also a commonly voiced belief that terrorists are typically driven by psychopathology or mental disorders, but the link between terrorism and mental health is not straightforward. Some individual terrorists might exhibit signs of psychological disturbances, but terrorists are motivated by ideological beliefs, social and political injustices, group dynamics and individual susceptibilities. Additionally, people with feelings of alienation, need for belonging or identity crises are more susceptible to radicalization. 

These are not necessarily indicative of mental disorders but can overlap with issues such as depression, anxiety or Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals exposed to conflict zones, violence or traumatic events are more likely to suffer from these conditions, which, without proper treatment and support, are sometimes triggers. Terrorist organizations often exploit these people’s vulnerability in recruitment. 

The Relationship between Mental Health Problems and Terrorism, a report by the Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats, indicates that mental health disorders are notably prevalent among extremists, including jihadists, foreign fighters and members of white supremacist movements. Common conditions among these groups include schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and PTSD. Some evidence suggests that white supremacist groups might specifically recruit individuals with mental health issues due to their potential for violence. However, further investigations are necessary to fully understand the recruitment strategies targeting individuals with mental health problems.

Omar Mateen, the gunman responsible for the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, which resulted in the death of 49 people and wounded 53 others, declared allegiance to the Islamic State during the attack, which was initially labeled as an act of terrorism. However, investigations and subsequent reports revealed a complex picture of Mateen’s motives and mental state. Mateen had a history of behavioral issues and unstable relationships, and some who knew him suggested he might have been struggling with his sexual identity, which was speculated to be a factor given the target was a gay nightclub. His ex-wife also reported that he had bipolar disorder and exhibited erratic behavior, though these claims were not officially confirmed by medical records during the investigation.

The FBI had investigated Mateen twice before the attack but found no conclusive evidence to charge him with any form of terrorism or link him directly to terrorist groups. This case illustrates the difficulty in disentangling the influence of mental health issues from ideological or personal motives in acts that are initially perceived as terrorism. It highlights the complexities involved in determining the exact motivations behind such violent acts and the role mental health may play alongside other significant factors.

Self-harm

Self-harm, often misunderstood as attention-seeking or mislabeled as a suicide attempt, refers to various behaviors where individuals intentionally injure themselves to cope with acute emotional pain. This can include cutting, burning or hitting oneself. These acts are typically not intended as suicide attempts but as a way to relieve intense psychological distress. Studies, such as those highlighted by the American Journal of Psychiatry, indicate that the cost to society from self-harm encompasses not only medical and healthcare expenses but also lost productivity and long-term welfare dependency.

Furthermore, research suggests a complex relationship between self-harm, interpersonal violence and societal impact, revealing that those who self-harm are at a higher risk of also experiencing or perpetrating violence. This connection underscores the profound implications such behaviors have on public health and safety, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health interventions and preventive measures.

On a different note, singer and actress Demi Lovato has helped shed light on the issue of self-harm. Lovato, who has publicly discussed her struggles with bipolar disorder, addiction and eating disorders, said she began self-harming as a teenager to cope with emotional pain and feelings of emptiness.  

Therefore, dismantling the deeply entrenched stereotypes that link mental health issues with violence, self-harm and terrorism is crucial for the advancement of informed policy-making. 

By relying on robust research and rejecting simplistic narratives, society can move towards implementing policies that are not only just but are also effective in addressing the root causes of violence and supporting mental health. 

Establishing guidelines for how mental health is portrayed in the media can reduce stigma. Encouraging responsible journalism that avoids sensationalizing mental health-related violence and highlights stories of recovery and successful management of mental health conditions can shift public perception. Collaborations with mental health organizations to create these guidelines can ensure they are comprehensive and effective. 

Moreover, ensuring access to mental health services, especially for those in underserved communities, can prevent untreated mental health issues from escalating. In this vein, expanding mental health services in schools, workplaces and through telehealth can make it easier for individuals to seek help early.

On a concluding note, providing training for law enforcement and first responders on how to handle situations involving individuals with mental health issues can reduce unnecessary violence. Crisis Intervention Team programs have shown effectiveness in this area, equipping officers with the skills to de-escalate situations and connect individuals to appropriate services.

[Ainesh Dey edited this piece]

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.