The Schizophrenia Society of Canada: We can solve this…

The following news clip attribute statements  to The Schizophrenia Society of Canada:

While we understand and empathize with Timothy’s mother and the McLean family and support their concern for public safety, we do not believe that the proposed “Tim’s Law”, which would have individuals deemed Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) incarcerated for life, is the solution. Both Tim McLean and Mr. Li are victims of a complete psychotic episode, in which Mr. Li had no insight and awareness of his actions.

Yet this same group states

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada is urging the federal government to adopt a national mental health strategy that is recovery-oriented and encompasses mental health literacy, mental health promotion, early intervention, adequate treatment as well as community supports and services.

The article also attributes this statement

Vince Li was beginning treatment at a mental health facility in Ontario as an involuntary patient. But he left the hospital without anyone apparently intervening. Therefore it raises the question about whether the mental health care system responded appropriately in this case.

More taxpayer’s dollars!

Does this sound right? It would be acceptable for health professionals to intervene, prior to a crime being committed… but unacceptable to protect the public after the person has committed a heinous crime … lawyers would have a field day at the taxpayers expense!

The following is the news story in its entirety:

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SCC) extends its sympathy to both the McLean family and the Li family as they struggle to come to terms with the tragic incident around the death of Timothy McLean.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada remains concerned about the negative or limited information that exists regarding individuals with schizophrenia and psychosis. This has been evident in the recent case of Vincent Li.

Since 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and 1 in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia, it raises the issue for reflection on the nature of mental illnesses including what they are and what they are not in regards to symptoms, treatment and risks of violence.

This is especially true as such an unfortunate event as the McLean/Li tragedy surfaces the social prejudice and stigma that is still prevalent in our society. This is one reason why many with mental health problems and mental illness do not seek out help and treatment. Immigrants from other cultures often struggle with pronounced feelings of stigma regarding mental illness. Thus the SSC supports the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s proposed creation of a ten-year Anti-Stigma and Anti-Discrimination Campaign.

According to Chris Summerville, the Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, the likelihood of violence by people with mental illness is exceptionally low. In fact, people living with mental illness are more often the victims of violence. “Fortunately, studies show that when people who were or would have been dangerous receive psychiatric treatment they are no more dangerous than people without a diagnosis. But they have to receive the treatment,” says Dr. John Gray, a board member of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society.

Schizophrenia and psychosis are treatable! But early identification and intervention in treating mental illness are crucial as treatment options do work. Vince Li was beginning treatment at a mental health facility in Ontario as an involuntary patient. But he left the hospital without anyone apparently intervening. Therefore it raises the question about whether the mental health care system responded appropriately in this case. When he returned to Winnipeg, his family and friends knew something was wrong.

Unfortunately, little effort was made to help him seek treatment due to lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of psychosis. If the warning signs were there and he did not receive help, then the question is how to educate family and friends, as well as the public about accessing mental health services.

This tragic event reinforces the urgent need for a national mental health strategy. Despite the significant health, economic and social costs of mental illness, Canada is the only G8 nation without a national strategy on mental illness. Summerville who is also a board member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, says, “In many areas in Canada, there is a lack of psychiatric beds as well as lengthy wait times to access appropriate mental health care.” He adds, “If there were not a comprehensive hospital or community services for people with cancer, heart problems or other medical conditions, we as a society would be outraged. Stigma and the lack of social and political will have resulted in Canada’s failed mental health system.”

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada is urging the federal government to adopt a national mental health strategy that is recovery-oriented and encompasses mental health literacy, mental health promotion, early intervention, adequate treatment as well as community supports and services.

While we understand and empathize with Timothy’s mother and the McLean family and support their concern for public safety, we do not believe that the proposed “Tim’s Law”, which would have individuals deemed Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) incarcerated for life, is the solution. Both Tim McLean and Mr. Li are victims of a complete psychotic episode, in which Mr. Li had no insight and awareness of his actions.

With excerts from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29535773/

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