People with mental disorders are often marginalized and considered dangerous. This is because there have been cases of criminal actions committed by individuals with mental disorders, which can create unease in society.
This is also depicted in the storyline of the movie Joker. The character with green hair, the eternal enemy of Batman, falls into a deep depression after facing rejection from society.
Rejected, cast aside, and humiliated in front of many people, Arthur Fleck (Joker’s real name) descends into an even deeper depression and transforms into a terrifying clown. No longer a friendly clown, he attempts to assert his existence by committing evil acts.
You might wonder, what is the connection between mental disorders like depression and criminal behavior? Do people with mental illness always commit crimes? Rather than speculating, let’s take a closer look at the explanation below.
What is mental illness?
The pressure Joker faces daily causes him to become the mastermind of criminal acts. The combination of depression and constant negative views from society around him transforms him into a criminal seeking recognition.
If you look closely, this situation could reflect real life. Indeed, it cannot be denied that mental health problems can cause someone to “lose control” and be pushed into committing crimes.
Mental illness is a health issue that affects a person’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, addictive behaviors, and more.
A disturbed mental state can lead to difficulties in daily life, whether in school, the workplace, or even in social relationships.
The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior
A study found that 18% of people with mental disorders commit at least one act of violence within a year. In a separate study, experts reported that individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are more likely to engage in physical attacks or other violent behavior towards others.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of mental illness vary from person to person. These include mood swings, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. People with mental illness can also be prone to outbursts and may act violently.
In the case of schizophrenia, sufferers may experience hallucinations, frightening delusions, and paranoia. These fears can lead to aggressive behavior, which may appear as if they are causing trouble or committing crimes in society.
However, usually, their aggressive behavior is directed toward themselves, family members, or close friends. People with mental health problems often don’t express their insecurities toward strangers.
Not all cases of mental illness lead to criminal behavior
It’s important to know that not everyone with a mental illness will end up committing crimes. According to Mental Health, only 3-5% of violent acts are caused by mental illness.
People with mental illness may commit crimes if:
- They do not receive effective treatment
- They have experienced past violence
- They fall into substance abuse, such as alcohol or drugs
Criminal behavior is not solely caused by mental illness but is influenced by other factors. These may include family history, personal stress (such as divorce or loss), and socio-economic factors. The risk may be higher if someone is influenced by alcohol or substance abuse.
To prevent criminal behavior or crime resulting from mental illness, patients need intensive care from doctors and psychiatrists. The sooner treatment begins, the better the condition of both their physical and mental health can be managed.
If you have a family member with mental illness, here are some steps to prevent aggressive behavior toward you or others:
- Avoid pressuring the sufferer Don’t force or push the person to calm down in the midst of their turmoil. Give them some time until they can regain composure and control of themselves.
- Speak firmly If the person’s behavior starts to cross the line, such as becoming angry or upset to a dangerous degree, you may say, “Please stop!” in a firm tone. This can sometimes help them regain awareness and control their emotions.
- Consult a psychiatrist Take the individual to a psychiatrist to receive proper treatment. Be sure to inform the psychiatrist of when the symptoms first appeared and how long they have lasted.
A mental health professional will help determine the appropriate treatment based on the patient’s condition.
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