Jennilyn Talbot Psychology 1010 Extra Credit December 8, 2013

"On the Edge; Mental Health in Utah" How This Affects Me

The number one treatment facility for mental health in our country is in warehousing individuals. 40% of adults, suffering from mental health issues, can be found in our local jails and prisons. On the Edge, informs us that society is ignoring a major problem in this Nation called, Mental Illness. Most of us, who think of people with mental issues, tend to define them as crazy, paranoid, weird, out of touch and much other slang that demoralize, dehumanize and minimize our countrys epidemic of mentally ill people, who are desperately in need of help. Mental illness has many faces and takes on many different personalities which is why it is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized until behaviors become a problem. By the time the behaviors become so blatant that we are forced to recognize the individual, unfortunately, they are involved in our legal systems. According to this video, the general public either does not seem to be aware, or doesnt want to recognize, that jails and prisons are not places of reformations nor are they effective treatment centers. Many times when the individual reaches the point of incarceration, they have become so ingrained in their behaviors and habits that reformation is nearly impossible. Not to mention, that their disease has progressed to a point that diagnosis is very difficult and complicated. By this point, many times the individual has been self-medicating their illness with

drugs and alcohol and their support systems are non-existent; leaving them homeless and alone in their disease. This is usually the point where they become the burden of society by becoming an inmate in jails and prisons. Providing the mentally ill a safe place to live, is essential to them being able to maintain and manage their symptoms. Recognizing the behaviors that accompany mental health illness before they reach adulthood could save many from being lost. Early education about mental illness to our children and youth in high risk situations and homes is critical. Viewing people as different, damaged or defective because they have a mental illness only creates greater problems while circumventing their efforts to receive affective treatment. Removing the shame and guilt from the mental health stigmata, which we as a society, has seemingly assigned, to those who are mentally ill, is a fundamental change needed. Our belief systems must change to create a dialogue that perpetuates a paradigm shift and awareness within our communities. Once awareness is generated and shame is uncovered, more financial resources will begin to surface that will help the mentally ill to cope and receive medications. This would be a ginormous step in deterring criminal behaviors before they reach the level of incarceration. JDOT, a program that is aimed at helping our mentally ill population is striving to treat people with individualized attention and treatment. Their underfunded program is designed to focus on drug court, individual treatment plans and accountability. This problem is everyones problem. We need to recognize our children and teens in danger before they become a danger to themselves and others. Locking people up and assuming that schools and the government will fix our societys mentally ill population is crippling our society.
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This movie and topic of mental health in Utah and our Country affects and relates to every aspect of Psychology. Psychology is the study of human behavior. Understanding the reasons people behave in a way that is detrimental to our society is fundamental to change. This topic is crucial to the future and current health of our populations psyche. Mental Illness is increasing and bankrupting our communities, psychologically, financially and spiritually. A crucial beginning step is realizing that this is everyones issue. Once we acknowledge that we are to blame for this epidemic then we can start working on change. Discussing mental illness without shame and guilt, realizing it is a disease is also very important to our survival and existence. Once these things are realized, then we can begin healing ourselves, families and Country.