We frequently read about murders and various acts of violence committed by mentally ill people. It seems to me that today there is very little attention given to the care of the mind. Are scientists and doctors studying treatments for them? Are there places where you can be free, but supervised? Are there periodic checks?
Rolanda
Your concern is understandable, especially when particularly serious news events question us about society’s ability to prevent certain tragedies. I am thinking, for example, of the recent case of Modena, which has reignited the debate on the relationship between mental distress, treatment and safety. In situations like these it is natural to ask whether more could have been done.
The site of the attack in the center of Modena.
(HANDLE)
In reality, mental health is a field in which doctors and researchers are constantly working: there are drugs, therapies, mental health centers, residential facilities and control and accompaniment paths. Many people are followed regularly and manage to live a dignified and peaceful life. Having said that, we must also recognize a limitation: not everything is predictable and not everything is controllable.
The human mind is complex and, sometimes, even those followed by services can go through sudden crises or display behaviors that no one had foreseen. Thinking of completely eliminating all risks would be illusory.
This is why care, prevention, attention to fragility, social control and adequate resources for local services are needed. But we also need to avoid easy simplifications. The vast majority of people who suffer from mental disorders are not dangerous; indeed, it is often more vulnerable than threatening. A human society is not measured by the ability to control everything, it’s impossible!, but by the desire not to leave the most fragile people alone, supporting those who care and those who take care of their difficulties.
