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Mentally Ill Vs. Families And Law Enforcement

Decent Essays

Mentally Ill vs. Families and Law Enforcement

Approximately one in 17 Americans suffer from a mental illness. In addition to this,

“Due to the extreme behavior exhibited by individuals with SMI (Serious Mental Illness),

encounters with police during a crisis sometimes end in tragedy” (Jines, Johnny K.). Mental

illness has the potential to take full control over a person’s life, creating many obstacles from

them to face. This illness may sometimes have effects on the families and Law Enforcement as

well, leaving them with the challenge of taking care of these individuals. Some of the patient’s

conditions are severe while several others are not. Even though these individuals may stand out

to be different from the rest, they still deserve the right to be cared for properly and given a

chance at life.

Families are often the main support system for people affected by mental illness. If a

patient is no longer able to attend a hospital that meets their needs, the lives of the individual’s

family are directly impacted. Dealing with a mentally ill patient can be very stressful, especially

if they are your loved one. It may sometimes consume the family member’s life, causing them

great responsibility. Adequate training and skills are necessary when caring for someone who

suffers from a mental illness. The families of these people have the duty of making sure that the

patient is properly cared for without conflict. Not only must the family

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