In an effort to distract from the fact that this jagoff had a weapon that shouldn't exist outside serious military engagements and video games, some Republicans have actually been bringing up mental health. It also distracts from how much money these assholes take from the NRA.
I haven't seen any actual suggestions or even a basic understanding of mental health treatment.
Let's talk about insurance! The Mental Health Parity Act was passed in 1996. This was to try to have insurance plans cover mental health on a more equal basis. Good, right? Nope.
There were originally three exemptions: no mental health coverage at all, businesses with less than 50 employees, or if you could document that there was more than a 1% increase in the cost of your plan due to the parity. Super. That definitely doesn't solve the problem.
In 2010, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was passed to deal with the loopholes in the prior act. Including the fact that substance addiction wasn't included. Are there still issues? Of course.
The government thought in 1998 that mental health was something we needed to deal with. And companies did all they could do to not cover it.
How many mass shooting do you think happened between 1998 and 2010? Wikipedia says 56.
How many mass shooting do you think happened between 1998 and 2010? Wikipedia says 56.
What is on this list? Columbine. Virginia Tech. Fort Hood.
I am obviously not a mental health expert, but there was something wrong with these murderers.
In addition to the lack of insurance coverage, there is also the stigma around seeking help. People joke all the time about taking crazy pills or seeing a shrink. Like it isn't a good thing. Like getting help is something to be ashamed of.
It took me years to go see anyone. Years that I definitely should have been. Because I was afraid of what people would think. Because didn't think I had any "real" problems. Because medication isn't something strong people need to do.
There is nothing wrong with seeing a mental health professional. There is nothing wrong with going on medication. There is nothing wrong with trying to get and stay better.
Mental health treatment and stigma *is* a serious issue in America, but let's talk about it seriously and not as a distraction from our appalling lack of gun control.
I am obviously not a mental health expert, but there was something wrong with these murderers.
In addition to the lack of insurance coverage, there is also the stigma around seeking help. People joke all the time about taking crazy pills or seeing a shrink. Like it isn't a good thing. Like getting help is something to be ashamed of.
It took me years to go see anyone. Years that I definitely should have been. Because I was afraid of what people would think. Because didn't think I had any "real" problems. Because medication isn't something strong people need to do.
There is nothing wrong with seeing a mental health professional. There is nothing wrong with going on medication. There is nothing wrong with trying to get and stay better.
Mental health treatment and stigma *is* a serious issue in America, but let's talk about it seriously and not as a distraction from our appalling lack of gun control.
