Passing the test

  It was discovered that a man attending fire school in the city of Baltimore was planning a mass shooting event. He had lots of guns, a plan and also planned on killing himself in the process. Now the big discussion about what could have been done to prevent that. It is being suggested that mental health examinations should have been required before allowing him in that school. Yes, I suppose that a mental health examination may have revealed he had issues. The thing is this, even if they had administered a mental health examination and determined his mental state wasn't quite right, all they can do is not allow him to attend the school. You can't be locked up, put away anywhere, until you actually do something. 

 It began in the 1950's, the closing of state institutions for the mentally ill. There were abuses no denying that and that was a leading factor in the closing of those places. Today you can't be paced in a mental facility unless you consent to that. That wasn't the case back in those days. It's a tricky thing, mental health. It's my feeling that no one of us is free from some "issue" if we were given a test. The tests themselves are very subjective and open to interpretation. One expert saying this, and another saying that. It's why the "manual" is occasionally revised. What was a mental issue yesterday, is just fine today, in fact it should be celebrated! What changed? Nothing. 

 I was interviewed by a mental health professional as a part of the qualifications to become a Navy recruiter. I guess I wasn't nuts, I got the job. I don't really remember what the questions where about. I do remember the doctor asking me if I had any questions. I replied, who decides if you are alright? He seemed offended by that question, told me his collogues performed that function, and the interview ended. Personally, I think the guy had a screw loose.

  Now I realize mental health is a hot button issue these days. I see a lot of commercials on television for products that will help with your progress. You are already taking some medications but need a bit of a boost, there is a product for that. You can put your sad face card back in your purse. By taking more drugs you are making progress. Drew Carey on the Price is Right urges you to take care of your mental health. There are billboards addressing that as well. You can get counseling online too, no need to see a therapist in person, it might even be free. No judgement! Well, isn't that the function of that trained expert? Aren't they supposed to judge your mental state? Their only course of action however is to give you a prescription! Hopefully it alters your consciousness enough that you don't hurt others or yourself. Never mind the medication may have side effects like liver failure or death, that rarely happens.

  Are we now going to require a mental health examination before you can get a job, go to school or interact with people in any way? Are we going to require you carry credentials that you're fine. Will it become like Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory? I'm not crazy, I've been tested. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Just what does happen if you fail that test? Those examinations are not perfect and neither is any one individual. The only legal ramifications from failing a mental health exam may be a custody battle, a criminal proceeding, where you can claim you are nuts btw, and losing your ability to make a decision for yourself. You know, when someone else wants your inheritance, estate or control of your money. Think Brittany Spears. Of course, you may be denied employment or attending a school or anything else based on that assessment. Your only course of action would be a legal challenge. Thing is, mental health can't be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. It really does depend upon that expert opinion. 

  The whole institutionalizing of those with mental health conditions, by the state through legal means, did become a disaster. Many where sent there that shouldn't have been. The conditions were generally horrible and the treatment of the patients terrible. The oversight just wasn't there. But with the closing of those institutions there are many on the streets today that do have serious mental problems. And all that can be done is to appeal to them to seek help. Yes, we are relying upon the mental patients to check themselves in. When they do not and commit some serious crimes we prosecute the crime. Sometimes we don't prosecute the crime, instead excusing it because, well, they are nuts! They can't be held accountable for that. They can be ordered into treatment at that point though. We could have prevented the crime from happening if we had institutionalized that person before the crime happened, but we can't do that. Maybe we should give everyone a test. 

  Take care of your mental health. What am I supposed to do? Should I take medications every time I feel sad, depressed or have feelings of anger? Or should I go online and talk to a therapist. Someone that can tell me, you're fine you just need to take a few medications to boost your progress. Is that taking care of my mental health, the search for reassurance and acceptance. That reassurance and acceptance must come from outside sources, otherwise I may be having a mental health crisis, becoming a narcissist or egotistical. You know that is a disorder don't you? Seek help immediately. Nothing can be done legally until it's too late! You really should get tested. Yeah, there's a form for that.