Mental Health Association Urges Humane Response to Crises

As public concern grows around public safety and mental health, highlighted by several recent incidents, the Mental Health Association is calling for a more informed and humane approach to mental illness, particularly during crisis situations.  Founder of the association, Kathy Esquivel, is urging the public to separate fear from fact when reacting to incidents involving persons with mental health conditions. She emphasized that acts of violence linked to mental illness are often misunderstood and overstated, noting that individuals with mental illnesses are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.  Esquivel explained that mental illness, while treatable, is not curable, comparing conditions such as psychosis to chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure. She said that individuals can experience acute episodes that require short-term medical intervention and stabilization, rather than punishment or permanent confinement.  She also raised concerns about how mental health crises are handled, particularly by law enforcement. While police officers receive some training in dealing with mental health incidents, Esquivel said the challenges are significant and existing protocols, such as consulting psychiatric professionals, are not always fully utilized. She stressed that persons experiencing a mental health crisis should not simply be placed in detention cells.  As part of its advocacy, the Mental Health Association has proposed the creation of a small forensic mental health unit, a recommendation submitted to government two years ago, but which has seen no progress. Esquivel said such a unit, potentially consisting of about four beds, would allow magistrates to authorize short-term placement for individuals at risk of losing control, enabling them to be stabilized and properly assessed before decisions are made about their care or legal status.  She further cautioned against vigilantism and “street justice,” stating that no society should condone violence against individuals because of their mental condition.