Playing Russian Roulette
A man stabs a woman on the subway
He is disturbed and delusional
He failed to take his medication
He thinks the police and the FBI are after him
They are now
He is a danger to the community
He should have been restrained and kept in hospital
Thousands of time bombs waiting to explode
"I don't want to be kept in hospital"
"I have been stable for many years"
"Most mentally ill people are more of a danger to themselves"
Do we restrict the movements of all mentally ill people?
The doctors have to decide
They have blood on their hands
How many innocent people must die before something is done?
Banner headlines in the newspapers demand action
The stigma grows and uncertainty and distrust reigns
Care in the community that is the buzz word
But motiveless killings undermine the idea
What do we do?
"Do you want to restrict my movements?"
"I don't always take my medication"
"But I know I am no danger to the public"
The killer is apprehended and the trial takes place
He is to be detained in a secure unit
And the community feels safe
"My right to freedom means your life is at risk"
If you cross the road your life is at risk
If you fly on a plane your life is at risk
We have to balance the risks against the benefits
Maybe we are playing russian roulette with mental health
It is only a matter of time before someone else dies
"So what you gonna do - lock me up"
"Or Spin the Barrel?"