Mental health and criminal justice | Crystal Dieleman | TEDxMoncton

Summary

This script addresses the misconceptions surrounding mental illness and violence, emphasizing that people with mental health issues are more likely to be victims than perpetrators. It discusses the reality of individuals with mental illness within the criminal justice system, highlighting that many interactions with law enforcement are non-criminal. The speaker calls for a more compassionate and inclusive approach, stressing the importance of community support for recovery and reducing re-engagement in criminal behaviors. The script concludes by urging individuals to consider their role in fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for those with mental health challenges.

Takeaways

• 📢 The media often exaggerates the link between mental illness and violence, leading to a distorted public perception.
• 👥 We're talking about people, not just illnesses or labels; it's important to humanize those with mental health issues.
• 🇨🇦 In Canada, 20% of the population will experience mental illness at some point, making it a common part of society.
• 🚔 40% of police contacts with people with mental illnesses are for non-criminal behavior, showing that not all interactions are due to crimes.
• 🏥 Many with mental illness who interact with the criminal justice system are there for minor offenses, not violent crimes.
• 🏢 People with mental illness who are violent are not representative of the whole; they are more likely to be victims than perpetrators.
• 🏡 Recovery from mental illness is possible and involves having a safe and secure place to live, among other basic needs.
• 💼 Employment and social connections are crucial for recovery and reducing the risk of criminal justice involvement.
• 👫 'Not In My Backyard' (NIMBY) syndrome is a significant barrier to providing necessary support for people with mental illness.
• 🌐 Including people with mental illness in communities contributes to their recovery and the safety of the community as a whole.
• 💪 Everyone has a role to play in including those with mental illness in society, whether as landlords, employers, or community members.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker addresses regarding the portrayal of people with mental illnesses in the media?

The speaker addresses the issue of media often focusing on tragic and violent events involving people with mental illnesses, which results in an exaggerated public perception of the relationship between mental illness and violence.

What is the actual percentage of the population that experiences mental illness in Canada?

One in five people, or 20% of the population, will experience a mental illness during their lifetime in Canada.

What was found in the study about police contact with people with mental health problems?

The study found that 40% of police contact with people with mental illnesses was for non-criminal behavior, such as unusual or bizarre actions in public places or attempts at suicide.

What are some of the minor offenses for which people with mental illnesses are often arrested?

People with mental illnesses are often arrested for minor offenses such as shoplifting, theft, public disturbances, vandalism, and destruction of property.

Why are some people with mental illnesses not considered good predictors of violence?

The speaker explains that mental illness is not a good predictor of violence because people with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.

What are the key factors that people with mental illnesses need to recover and reduce the risk of criminal justice involvement?

People with mental illnesses need a safe and secure place to live, structure in their lives, meaningful activities, gainful employment, relationships, social connections, opportunities to participate in their communities, and to be treated with dignity and respect.

What is the 'not in my backyard' (NIMBY) syndrome, and how does it relate to mental health?

The 'not in my backyard' syndrome refers to the resistance to having resources or facilities for people with mental illnesses in one's own neighborhood. It's a barrier to providing necessary support and inclusion, which is crucial for their recovery and reducing the risk of violence.

How can community members help include people with mental illnesses in their communities?

Community members can help by offering housing opportunities, employment, volunteering opportunities, and social connections to people with mental illnesses, ensuring they have the resources and support they need.

What is the speaker's stance on balancing public and personal safety with the inclusion of people with mental illnesses?

The speaker suggests that while maintaining public and personal safety is important, it should not come at the expense of excluding people with mental illnesses from communities, as inclusion is key to their recovery and reducing the risk of criminal behavior.

What is the role of community members in building healthy and safe communities for everyone?

Community members play a crucial role in building healthy and safe communities by ensuring that everyone, including those with mental illnesses, has access to resources, supports, services, and opportunities.