Jul 2, 2018
Many people believe that violence and mental illness are linked in such a way that all mentally ill people will – eventually – be violent. Some people go as far as to believe that violence is only perpetrated by people with mental illness.
In this episode, Gabe & Michelle explore these assumptions, thoughts, and ideas from their perspectives as people living with bipolar and schizophrenia.
They discuss the president’s views on people with mental illness being responsible for seemingly all gun violence. They discuss why society is so quick to believe that mental illness and violence are intrinsically linked. But, ultimately, they discuss how these beliefs make them – as people living with bipolar and schizophrenia – feel.
Highlights From ‘Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and Violence’ Episode
[2:00] Michelle talks about her aggressive lacrosse playing. Was it mental illness?
[6:10] Gabe talks about police and mental health crisis interventions.
[10:50] What the courts and society say about mass shooters and mental illness.
[16:00] What if the
media is right about mental illness and violence?
[20:00] Why does society believe that violence is only caused by people with mental illness?
[21:30] Unpacking schizophrenia and privilege.