Redefine "Crazy"

In law class we have been looking into criminal law, more specifically into mens rea and how people are not always criminally responsible for their actions if they are “insane.” It came to my attention in our discussion that people have a misconstrued view on mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia. People seem to be under the impression that anyone who has this mental illness is crazy, psychopathic and dangerous to be around. This is simply untrue. 

Yes, it is something that causes its host to have hallucinations and delusions. It can cause someone to be extremely disorganized in their moods and thoughts; but like any other mental illness: 1) it is not their fault and 2) treatment is available. It is entirely possible to live and get on with a normal life despite living with schizophrenia.

It is true that people who have this mental illness do commit crimes. That having been said, it is often by someone who is not being treated for his or her illness. 1/5 people who have a mental illness will never have access to treatment and that is not necessarily their fault, it is often the government failing to have the resources required to aid them.

Furthermore, someone who has a psychotic break and commits some heinous crime should not be lumped in with those who have a mental illness that lasts an extended period of time. I know that while I have never experienced schizophrenia, I am accustom to people referring to those with a mental illness as crazy…without realizing that they are talking to one of those ‘crazies’. People assume (subconsciously or otherwise) that someone with a mental illness must be walking around with “crazy eyes” and/or carrying an axe to attack your family with. No. False information.

You walk by people everyday that are living with a mental illness but you never notice because they look just like you. You probably pass people being treated for schizophrenia regularly too; they don’t look or act crazy…no more then you anyway.