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This may be an inappropriate topic for this forum, but it is important to me because I know a little about this topic.

I spent an hour yesterday visiting with my stepson at Utah's criminal lockdown facility for the mentally ill, and I began to muse on the recent news from Aurora, CO. My SS is in the facility because he killed his father (my husband) nearly eight years ago. He is in a treatment facility rather than prison because our family lined up -- to a person -- pleading for such mercy -- and likely because there was no political downside (i.e. a great public outcry at the crime).

Every time I hear of a young person committing a heinous crime, I wonder about the sudden onset of mental illness. Here is an argument for that conclusion from the Mental Illness Policy Org.:

(quote)
* James Holmes is 24, (within the) the age (range) at which schizophrenia starts. (Qualifications mine. These serious mental illnesses strike young people in their late teens and 20s -- the prime of life!)
* He is delusional, i.e, believes he is the Joker.
* He was "normal" and then became withdrawn. Withdrawal is a common reaction to hallucinations.
* NY Daily News reported he has lack of affect ("shows no remorse")
* He is acting crazy spitting on everyone in jail.
* The owner of a shooting range reported Mr. Holmes' voice message was "bizarre"

The fact that he was highly educated, and the attack was well planned, does not rule out mental illness. The disease often starts after the education. The Unabomber was also highly educated and planned his attacks well.
(end quote)

I am thinking about this more deeply after spending time yesterday with what, at one point, was a desperately ill, mentally untethered and delusional young man. After years in treatment, with medication, strict structure, intensive therapy and other training, my SS is a poised, self-aware young man. Even so, he is not even close to being released from the facility. But he has been freed from the torture of his disease. A blessing amidst tragedy.

A very small percentage of mentally ill people are dangerous. That sounds comforting, for sure, unless you were sitting in the Aurora, CO movie theater or were my husband out duck hunting with his own beloved 19-year-old son.

So I am thinking about mercy and retribution. And am feeling sad for everyone.

I've read 2 articles now that say he was taking (overtaking) prescription meds - which are known for giving people these feelings. If that's the case, it's even sadder - but the article doesn't say if they were prescribed for something or if he was taking them on his own (purchasing off the street). Either way, drugs are so very dangerous and have so many side effects. My heart bleeds for all those involved in these shootings - including his family - who will never be the same.

Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. It is wonderful that you are able to continue to be a part of your step son's life. Going to see him provides support for his continuing wellness and control of the disease. One of my family members was a paranoid schizophrenic.

So many people with mental illness self-medicate with alcohol and drugs and become addicted. And going off prescribed meds is de rigueur for mentally ill people. So that is the vicious cycle. My SS told me he stopped his antipsychotic meds so he could drink and use, and that is the reason his father is dead today.

Interestingly, he decided to address his drug addiction while in the hospital. For a while in the hospital he was "cheeking" his meds, and when he had enough he would crush and snort them.

Yeah.

But I give him credit for addressing the addictive behavior. He wasn't caught. He just decided to change.

So, again, there is hope for those who suffer with schizophrenia, bipolar disease, whether inpatient or not.

Note to Redwahine: This is the first time I've been allowed to see SS. I went to visit him a few years ago, and was taken aside by a social worker. I was told he had a list of people approved to see him. So I asked how I could get on that list, and the social worker looked uncomfortable and hemmed and hawed. I told him to just say it. Turns out, there is another list. A "no-way-in-hell" list for those not allowed to see him.

I was the only person on it. I asked how that list was created, and he said it was in consultation with family and staff.

I was so hurt and angry. I had given SS's mother $2K for his defense fund, but did not participate in his defense -- EXCEPT to call the county attorney (after two years of competency hearings) and ask him to dismiss the criminal charges and move for a civil commitment to the state hospital. Three weeks later, he essentially granted my request, by accepting SS's plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Then the judge committed him. I just told SS's sisters that story last Friday. Don't know if they believed me, because they long considered me the enemy in their brother's case. Maybe still do.

Your right Janice,,,,,,,,Insanity, mayhem, mercy and retribution
I read that article too, very interesting. I also read another article about a miracle within the shooting. Very good article too, the link is posted
on my facebook page.

Janice,

The first thing we thought when we heard what happened was that the shooter had probably had schizophrenic episode. Everything we have heard about his behavior makes me think that just from what little I know about schizophrenia. We have a granddaughter who is bipolar and her behavior is quite bizarre at times. She is dangerous to herself when she is having an episode.

I am so sorry to hear about how your husband died. It was very admirable of you to support your SS in those circumstances. A lot of people might not have.

And it is so important to remind everyone not to jump to conclusions and make hasty judgments regarding any situation...... The human condition is so complex in its ups and downs.... And there is so much mystery in understanding the workings of emotions and minds...and physical chemistry of same.....

It is all so sad. It breaks my heart for all.