A person’s overall mental health condition influences and depends on his or her behavior, thought process, and feelings.
People generally believe that individuals with any form of mental illness are more likely to become criminals; however, various other factors can influence an individual’s mindset toward criminal behavior.
Here, we will try to illuminate some important aspects of mental illness and crime, as well as underlying mechanisms and a proposed course of action to address this critical social concern.
Understanding the link
Mental Health Issues Among Offenders:
According to many studies, people with mental health disorders are more likely to be in the criminal justice system. The percentage of people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance use disorders is higher among lawbreakers as compared to the general population.
Impact of Mental Health on Criminal Behavior
As previously stated, mental illness is not the only factor influencing criminal behavior. However, mental health disorders can influence criminal behavior in several ways.
For example, it can weaken the ability to make judgments and differentiate between right and wrong, force one to make impulsive choices, take away control from anger and aggression, etc.
Substance use disorders have been a common issue that co-occurs with mental health disorders for years. What’s more concerning is the fact that if both issues are present in an individual together, they can worsen one’s health and increase their chances of engaging in criminal activities such as theft, drug trafficking, and violence.
Poverty and illiteracy
There is a strong relationship between mental health and crime, which is influenced by poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and insufficient access to mental health care.
High levels of stress, trauma, and depression, when combined with other risk factors, can exacerbate poor mental health and increase involvement in criminal activities among individuals living in such communities.
Outlaw of Mental Illness:
When mental health services are not available, the criminal justice system often ends up handling people with mental health disorders. We refer to this as the criminalization of mental illness.
Many of these individuals, instead of receiving the necessary treatment, end up in jail, exacerbating their mental health issues and contributing to an increase in crime rates.
Resolving the problem
Increase the Accessibility And Reach of Mental Health Care:
It is the demand and need of the hour that, as a society, we should work towards increasing mental health care awareness and reachability, like having more behavioral health hospitals in every locality. Doing so will help address the relationship between mental health and crime.
The government in different locations needs to fund mental health services and open government-approved mental hospitals to make sure that individuals in the criminal justice system receive appropriate mental health treatment.
Change the Law:
Individuals dealing with some form of mental health issue should get treatment instead of punishment. The law should be changed, and there should be more diversion programs that direct individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.
It will definitely help to reduce the increasing crime rates.
Reduce the Inequalities in Society:
Inequality in society is one of the trigger factors for all crimes. This inequality contributes heavily to mental health issues and a high percentage of crimes. In such a scenario, we need more policies to help reduce poverty, improve education, open more job opportunities, and enable easy access to healthcare.
Mental Health Awareness:
People are still not fully aware of mental health issues. This is because many myths and stories are circulating in society, exceeding the actual facts. By raising awareness about mental health, it is possible to encourage individuals to seek help for the mental issues they are tackling.
Conducting sessions in schools, colleges, and offices about the importance of mental illness and mental disorder types, their treatment, and how to find a mental hospital nearby can serve as a great help in not only promoting mental well-being but also preventing crime.
The Road to Recovery
Athena Behavioral Health, certified by NABH, offers more than just the best mental health facilities in Gurgaon. Its team is also playing an important role in spreading awareness about mental health illnesses.
They have published blogs that cover a variety of mental health illnesses, provide information on treatment options, and explain how to identify mental disorders in yourself or those around you.
Therefore, if you or someone you know is dealing with any mental health condition, do not hesitate to contact us and book an appointment. A mental health expert will guide you and provide the most suitable therapies and treatments to manage your mental health condition effectively.
If you’d like to get a treatment facility consultation from a professional, please contact us via email at customercare@athenabhs.com or by phone at +91 9289086193. It is our privilege to take the pain out of yours!
Also Read:
Simple Methods For Maintaining Mental Health
Role of Mindfulness in Maintaining Mental Health
How Empathetic Listening Benefits Mental Health
Clothes Can Impact An Individual’s Mental Health
