In this country a scene all too common is happening over and over in this country: a deranged man enters a public facility and starts shooting everyone. Its found out later in the news that he was suffering from XYZ Mental Illness...
I wanted to start this thread after the tragic events that unfolded today in Connecticut (my condolences to all the families effected)
Now it seems like some of these events could have been stopped had someone noticed, or if the person had adequate access to mental health services
When i used to work in LA i did a lot of psychiatric transports on the ambulance (mainly 5150 holds). I've noticed a lot of these patients were given a couple meds and then thrown out on the street and forgotten till they act up again and go through the cycle again.
I personally think there should be more public education on noticing and reporting the signs of a person who is a threat to others or them selves or unable to care for them selves.
I also think there should be more funding towards mental health institutions as well.
note i am only speaking from what i have seen with my experience on the ambulance, if anyone who works at a psychiatric/mental health facility please share your thoughts as well
what do you think? is mental health/psychiatric care is inadequate in the US?