In the wake of the Arizona shootings, it has been disturbing to see many politicians, journalists, and even a sheriff exploit a national tragedy for political purposes. And, in so doing, many have set themselves up as mental health experts, explaining to the public that political debate and rhetoric caused a likely psychotic suspect, Jared Loughner, to kill and injure innocent people. This is especially alarming when we consider that those who are public servants might, instead, focus their efforts on the more important issue: why did such an unstable young man slip through the cracks?
Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik told reporters that Loughner had targeted Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords since 2007, and that he had a troubled past, citing numerous serious problems the suspect had at Pima Community College.
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Those who have known Loughner describe a litany of behavioral concerns.
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These issues suggest that we need to determine how we can better identify young people and adolescents who may be at risk for psychological problems and violent behaviors.
In a free country like ours, people are allowed to be different and to act in unusual ways without the threat of arrest or institutionalization. Short of openly declaring an intention to harm oneself or someone else, there is very little mental health professionals or law enforcement personnel can do to force someone into mental health treatment. Yet, there are many other “checkpoints” along the way at which a young person with emotional and/or drug problems can be guided into much-needed treatment.
Below are some warning signs parents and other adults might look for in children and adolescents:
- History of mental illness in the family
- Marked changes in mood
- Shifts in appetite and sleep patterns that are not necessarily connected to physical development
- Personality changes, as in a usually quiet child becomes suddenly outgoing
- Decline in academic performance or erratic performance
- Sudden changes in interests and preferences
- A decided preference for being alone
- Changes in friends and types of social activities
When parents and other concerned adults notice a pattern of changes in a child, a consultation with a mental health professional who is trained to work with children or adolescents is important. If treatment is needed, parents should make sure they understand the full range of options. Unfortunately, it often seems that we have reached a point, in our country, at which we are led to believe that any problem can be immediately solved by drugs. While some people need medication, we should be wary of medicating children and adolescents without considering counseling first. It is in counseling that a troubled child or teen can develop a trusting relationship with an adult that can serve as a key to positive change.
Unfortunately, when it comes to children with psychological problems, time is of the essence. It is a lot easier to get a younger child into treatment than a teenager. Parents and other concerned adults who act sooner than later have the greatest chance for success.
I cannot say whether Jared Loughner had the opportunity to enter treatment when he was younger, or whether treatment could have prevented his actions on Saturday. But it seems that we might learn more from this national tragedy if we focus on how to better help young people with emotional problems rather than laying political blame.
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