Tragic spotlight: Navigating the issues of mental health
A key takeaway from tragedies like the Las Vegas mass shooting is assessing police response to the situation.
Experts in mental health and crisis response from across the Pacific Northwest gathered in Bend Tuesday to discuss situations like this.
No one knows yet how much mental health problems had to do with the shooting, but one thing’s for sure: First responders who calmly approach a situation where no one even knows where the bullets are coming from are invaluable, especially when confronting someone struggling with his or her mental health issues.
“Somebody who’s in crisis doesn’t need an officer to come up really close, really fast, really loud,” criminal justice trainer Rex Caldwell said. “They need somebody who is understanding, empathetic, willing to listen, and takes the time to work with them to get them through their crisis.”
There are a few ways to tell if you or a loved one is suffering from mental health issues.
“If somebody that had a passion for engaging in their family or going out and doing activities, and they’ve suddenly stopped, those could potentially be signs that they’re feeling some sort of depression or anxiety,” said Greater Oregon Behavioral Health Director of Health Integration Outcomes Janet Holland.
She also stressed the importance of checking in every once in a while with people you feel might be having a hard time.
If there are signs of mental illness, the most important thing to do is talk about it. Holland mentioned some other issues people have that are easier to bring up for comparison.
“If you’re a diabetic, and you’re having issues, it would be OK if you said you’re having issues. If you have chest pains, it’s OK to say you’re having chest pains. But if you have a mental illness, and you’re feeling depressed, or not quite right, there is a stigma still attached, unfortunately, around that.”
She pointed out at least one in five people in the United States have shown symptoms of mental illness, and that the more we talk about it, the more the stigma around it will fade.
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