Rep. Pasch: The Arizona Tragedy and Mental Health

Jan. 25, 2010

Contact: Rep. Sandy Pasch, D-Whitefish Bay

608-266-7671

In the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Arizona earlier this month, which left fourteen injured –including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords – and six people dead, Americans have been trying to find some sense or understanding of how such a terrible act could have taken place. As the evidence continues to get sorted out, we must sift through the speculation and blame and consider that there were likely many factors that influenced 22 year old Jared Loughner to shoot the Congresswoman and other community members; we may never know them all. But what we must not do is allow this devastating event to incite more hate and anger and contribute to the already overheated political culture.

Although it is impossible and inappropriate to solely blame heated rhetoric or political movements for the actions of this young man, it is necessary to call on all elected officials and famous political figures to watch their words. Too often, political leaders forget that the public listens to what they say, and that their rhetoric can be enormously influential. So they recklessly throw themselves into heated political battles, sometimes using dangerous euphemisms that supporters could take literally. One person’s words did not cause this tragedy, but the torrid political atmosphere may have rendered it more likely.

In a call for civility and remembrance, the Wisconsin State Assembly considered a bipartisan resolution to honor the victims of the Arizona shooting on January 25. While there will certainly continue to be disagreements on matters of policy and politics, both sides came together as elected representatives in a strong show of support for those killed and wounded during that tragedy.

Fundamentally, this was the action of one man. Regardless of whether he was influenced by angry political rhetoric or had a personal vendetta against the Representative, it is still important to consider his mental health. Evidence has shown that Mr. Loughner has likely been living with severe mental illness and was an increasingly lonely individual who feared government control and often lashed out in social situations. Although his peers and relations noticed that he was struggling, they were unable to offer him the help that he needed.

What we must take from this is not a fear of those with mental health disorders, but instead a willingness to help those living with these treatable conditions. It is important to understand, not stigmatize, those who are living with mental illness. In fact, most people who are dealing with mental illness are not violent, and most people who are violent are not living with mental illness. Rather, individuals living with mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than to commit them.

Still, in Wisconsin and in many states, we hesitate to acknowledge the existence of mental health disorders. With treatment, people living with mental illness can and do get better. This terrible episode may have been prevented if there was greater awareness of mental illness in our society and greater awareness of how to help people with these conditions. Friends and families of individuals living with mental illness have long been faced with many difficult hurdles. These range from an inability to grasp and understand mental illness, to facing obstacles in obtaining treatment – both voluntarily and involuntarily.

As a psychiatric nurse and long-time advocate for improved mental health services, I have spent years fighting to address the countless obstacles and hurdles facing those living with mental illness and their loved ones. Further, this past session, I successfully fought for an increase in insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders and have chaired a Special Committee that is examining the controversial use of involuntary commitments on individuals living with mental illness. I hope to build upon these efforts in the coming legislative session.

Unfortunately, it took a devastating event to bring many long-standing issues surrounding mental illness to light. However, I hope that we may continue to have a constructive dialogue surrounding the importance of providing access to treatment and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. It is evident that the failure to effectively address these issues has devastating consequences within our community.

State Representative Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay) represents Wisconsin’s 22nd Assembly District