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Mental Health Thesis Statement

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

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1. the importance of mental health awareness and support, 2. the implications of neglecting mental health, 3. strategies for promoting mental health and well-being.

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Mental health awareness thesis statement examples.

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Mental health awareness is a crucial topic in contemporary society that seeks to educate individuals on mental health disorders, reduce stigma, and advocate for accessible treatment. When constructing a thesis on this topic, a decisive, clear, and specific thesis statement is imperative. This text will provide and analyze good and bad thesis statement examples on mental health awareness to guide students in developing robust research arguments.

Good Thesis Statement Examples

Specific and Clear: “The research quantitatively analyzes the impact of school-based mental health awareness programs on adolescents’ levels of depression and anxiety.” Bad: “School programs about mental health awareness are important.”

The good example is specific and clear, offering a quantitative approach, focus group (adolescents), and measurable outcomes (levels of depression and anxiety). Conversely, the bad example is vague, lacking clear metrics or specific focus areas.

Well-defined Scope: “This thesis explores the role of social media in propagating mental health stigma among adults in the United States.” Bad: “Social media plays a role in mental health.”

The good statement precisely defines the scope, focusing on stigma propagation, the adult demographic, and limiting the study to the United States. The bad example is too broad and lacks specificity on the aspect of mental health and target demographic.

Arguable and Debatable: “The availability of teletherapy services significantly improves access to mental health care for rural populations facing transportation barriers.” Bad: “Teletherapy services are beneficial.”

The good thesis is arguable and presents a specific claim about teletherapy’s impact on rural populations and access barriers, whereas the bad example is non-debatable and too general without a particular focus or claim.

Bad Thesis Statement Examples

Overly Broad: “Mental health is important for everyone.”

This statement, while true, is too broad and general. It doesn’t guide the reader towards a specific aspect of mental health, making it ineffective for a thesis.

Lack of Clear Argument: “Mental health issues affect people in different ways.”

While this statement is factual, it lacks a clear argument or focus, leaving the reader without direction or understanding of the paper’s purpose. Seeking paraphrasing help can enhance the clarity and focus of your statement, ensuring your paper effectively communicates its purpose.

Unmeasurable and Unresearchable: “Positive thinking can cure mental disorders.”

This statement is not only scientifically incorrect but also unmeasurable and unresearchable, making it inappropriate for scholarly research.

A strong thesis statement is pivotal for the success of a thesis on Mental Health Awareness. As illustrated, good thesis statements are clear, specific, and arguable with a well-defined scope, guiding the reader effortlessly through the research’s purpose and objectives. In contrast, bad thesis statements are often overly broad, lack clear arguments, and are not measurable or researchable, leading to confusion and a lack of direction. By carefully considering these examples, students can craft thesis statements that offer clarity, precision, and a roadmap for their research on the vital and complex issue of mental health awareness.

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10 New Thesis Statement about Depression & Anxiety | How to Write One?

Did you know according to the National Institute of Mental Health; it is estimated that approximately 8.4% of adults are patients of major depression in the US? Well, depression is a common illness globally that affects a lot of people. Yet, the reasons for this psychological sickness vary from person to person and numerous studies are being conducted to discover more about depression.

Therefore, college and university students are currently assigned to write research papers, dissertations, essays, and a thesis about depression. However, writing essays on such topics aims to increase the awareness of physical and mental well-being among youth and help them find solutions.

However, a lot of students find it pretty challenging to write a thesis statement about depression and seek someone to write my essay . No worries! In this article, you will learn about what is a good thesis statement about mental health and some effective methods and approaches to write a killer headline and compose an astonishing essay about depression.

5 Thesis Statement About Depression:

• “The complexity of depression, which includes biological, psychological, and environmental components, emphasizes the need for individualized treatment plans that consider each person’s particular requirements.”
• “Depression in the workplace not only affects an individual’s productivity but also carries economic implications, emphasizing the importance of fostering a mental health-friendly work environment.”
• “Alternative, holistic approaches to mental health care have the potential to be more successful as the link between creative expressions, such as art therapy, and depression management becomes more commonly recognized.”
• “It is critical to enhance geriatric mental health treatment and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in older people since depression in senior populations is typically underdiagnosed and mistreated.”
• “The link between early childhood adversity and the risk of developing depression later in life accentuates the importance of early intervention and support systems for children exposed to adverse experiences.”

5 Thesis Statements about Anxiety & Depression :

• “Depression and anxiety Co-occurring disorders are a major concern in mental health, necessitating integrated treatment options that meet the unique challenges that co-occurring diseases provide.”
• “The utilization of technology-driven therapies, such as smartphone apps and telehealth services, is a realistic approach of addressing persons suffering from anxiety and depression, while also increasing access to mental health care.”
• “The examination of the gut-brain connection and its potential role in anxiety and depression showcases a burgeoning area of research that could lead to novel treatments emphasizing nutrition and gut health.”
• “Adolescents who experience both anxiety and depression face a serious issue that calls for comprehensive school-based mental health programs and preventative measures to promote young people’s mental health.”
• “Exploring the impact of sociocultural factors and the role of community support systems in the experience of anxiety and depression provides insights into the development of culturally sensitive mental health interventions.”

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Follow 7 Proven Methods to Compose Thesis Statement about Depression

A thesis is the overview of the concepts and ideas that you will write in your research paper or in the essay. Yet, a thesis statement about anxiety focuses more on the stress and depression topics for the paper you’re working on, which can be written by following the tips given below.

Nonetheless, you can compose an outline by covering the points mentioned below:

1. Pick a good study topic and perform a basic reading. Look for some intriguing statistics and try to come up with creative ways to approach your subject. Examine a few articles for deficiencies in understanding.

2. Make a list of your references and jot down when you come across a noteworthy quotation. You can cite them in your paper as references. Organize all of the information you’ve acquired in one location.

3. In one phrase, state the purpose of your essay. Consider what you want to happen when other people read your article.

4. Examine your notes and construct a list of all the key things you wish to emphasize. Make use of brainstorming strategies and jot down any ideas that come to mind.

5. Review and revise the arguments and write a thesis statement for a research paper or essay about depression.

6. Organize your essay by organizing the list of points. Arrange the points in a logical sequence. Analyze all elements to ensure that they are all relevant to your goal.

7. Reread all of your statements and arrange your outline in a standard manner, such as a bulleted list.

Final Words

So, what is an ideal way to write a thesis statement about depression for your research paper or essay? We hope you have a thorough idea of the essay you’re writing before picking a thesis statement about mental well-being. That will assist you in developing the greatest thesis for our essay.

But don’t get too worked up over your thesis statement for a research paper on mental disorders. Our professional subject experts have produced a list of thesis statements about mental health and depression themes for research paper writing, so you’ve got your job cut out for you. For your essay assignments or assignments, we will also offer appropriate thesis statements.

If you’re still confused about which statement to use, contact us right away. We have a staff of highly qualified and seasoned writers who can assist you with your essay or research work and guarantee that you receive the highest possible score.

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Social Media Thesis Statement: the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

This essay will present a thesis statement on the impact of social media on mental health. It will explore how social media use correlates with issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, drawing on current research and psychological theories. The piece will discuss both the negative and positive aspects of social media, considering factors such as online connectivity, cyberbullying, and the pressure of social comparison. It will also suggest directions for future research and potential solutions. PapersOwl offers a variety of free essay examples on the topic of Adolescence.

How it works

Most individuals know someone with a mental health problem or addictive behavior, but have they ever thought about where it could have risen from? The rise of anxiety and depression have been believed to drive a child’s life. Feeling driven by a motor and needing to check your phone constantly can result in negative effects. Mental health issues and addictive behaviors stem from a conglomerate of sources, but more directly, have been exasperated by social media in modern society.

• 1 Social Media, Anxiety, and the ‘Like’ Syndrome
• 2 Social Media and the Onset of Depression Symptoms
• 3 The Correlation Between Social Media Usage and Addiction
• 4 The Social Media Thesis Statement: Balancing the Scale of Positive and Negative Effects
• 5 References:

Social Media, Anxiety, and the ‘Like’ Syndrome

Mental health disorders can be one of the several negative effects given to a child by their phone.

It has been shown that anxiety is a huge factor coming from social media, “Other studies have shown that people with social anxiety prefer communicating with people via the internet rather than in person, so it would be an ideal way to initiate relationships” (Maldonado). Even some social networking environments, such as Facebook, can cause anxiety. “Recent research has shown that using social networking sites, namely Facebook, can increase people’s stress levels, produce anxiety, and negatively affect a person’s sense of self” (Maldonado). Even if people were to not look at the platforms and just focus on the ‘likes,’ problems would be found throughout. “The need to gain “likes” on social media can cause teens to make choices they would otherwise not make, including altering appearance, engaging in negative behaviors, and accepting risky social media challenges” (Hurley). As Hurley also claimed, “It’s difficult to build empathy and compassion (our best weapons in the war on bullying) when teens spend more time “engaging” online than they do in person.”

Social Media and the Onset of Depression Symptoms

Symptoms of depression are also prevalent in social media. As Hurley once said, “Though many teens know that their peers share only their highlight reels on social media, it’s very difficult to avoid making comparisons. Everything from physical appearance to life circumstances to perceived successes and failures is under a microscope on social media.” Most teenagers have gullible minds, so when they see someone more physically fit or even happier than they are, they automatically get down on themselves. Seeing somebody live a better life hurts most people, but some make the most of it by turning that into an encouraging way to get that body or make more money. Even though to some observers, it seems to be obvious that depression can also be linked to social media. According to Gordon, “Researchers are just beginning to establish a link between depression and social media.” Most say that you could have been raised with depression, which could be true, but that depression would not have flared up as much as it did once they started using these social media platforms. Even stated by a credited author, “From a mental health perspective, concerns have been raised about the negative impact of excessive use of social networking sites on the health and well-being of users, especially that of young people, who are enthusiastic users of this technology” (Griffiths). This quote proves the meaning behind the gullible minds of young ones; it can easily affect them – even causing an addiction.

The Correlation Between Social Media Usage and Addiction

As well as producing anxiety and depression, social media also has a strong link to addiction. “In a study by researchers at the UCLA brain mapping center, they found that certain regions of teen brains became activated by ‘likes’ on social media, sometimes causing them to want to use social media more” (Gordon). This statement shows just how easy it is to become addicted to posting about yourself on social media. Sometimes, this leads to teens posting pictures or captions they should not be. Obsessing over likes can lead to other impulses, such as losing sleep. “Sometimes teens spend so many hours on social media that they begin to lose valuable sleep. Consequently, thus sleep loss can lead to moodiness, a drop-in grades, and overeating, as well exacerbated existing problems like depression, anxiety, and ADD” (Gordon). This obsessive behavior also leads to problems with your brain and body since you are losing sleep time, which also means losing energy. Losing energy can cause a variety of problems, some of which include anxiety and depression. Addictive behaviors do not only just stop at losing sleep but stem all the way to using your phone while driving. “Many people’s social media use is habitual, and it can start to spill over into other areas of their lives and be problematic and dangerous, such as checking social media while driving” (Griffiths). This part of the addictive behaviors could easily be named the most atrocious. This type of behavior could easily kill or seriously harm an individual. Losing a loved one over a Facebook status shows a lot about the state that the human brain is in.

The Social Media Thesis Statement: Balancing the Scale of Positive and Negative Effects

Besides all the negative effects of social media, it also has a few positive effects on the human brain. “Although they can cause problems, these sites also have been shown to have positive effects on people. It can help psychologists monitor the mental health of patients, spread awareness about issues (including mental health disorders), connect people with one another, and make the world a little smaller” (Maldonado). Rewarding your brain with positive upbringings can really determine night or day. If someone reaches a certain level on a game or gets the reaction, they wanted on a certain post, that could easily encourage you to keep positive vibes and continue doing what they love. As Maldonado stated, “The best way for anyone to take advantage of the benefits of these sites while minimizing the downsides is to moderate his or her use and maintain a level of detachment.” Taking time away from social media would help minimize the chances of becoming depressed over a post, which could really help a teenager’s mental health.

By this time, people have probably concluded that several humans on this earth are way too attached to their phones. If people were to see someone prioritize their phone over their communication with the outside world, help them experience life as it is. If social media becomes an addiction, it could eventually lead to anxiety and depression. Even though social media has negative effects, it can also have effects that can help the human brain grow and experience positive thoughts. With that being said, most people would say social media has more negative effects than positive. The addictive behaviors and mental health issues that arise from the internet can cause several problems and become a burden in this society.

References:

• Gordon, Sherri. ‘5 Ways Social Media Affects Teen Mental Health.’ very well family, About, Inc (Dotdash), 30 July 2018, www.verywellfamily.com/ways-social-media-affects-teen-mental-health-4144769. Accessed 17 September 2018.
• Griffiths, Mark D.’ Addicted to Social Media?’ Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, LLC, 7 May 2018, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-excess/201805/addicted-social-media. Accessed 17 September 2018.
• Hurley, Katie. ‘Social Media and Teens: How Does Social Media Affect Teenagers Mental Health.’ Psycom. Vertical Health LLC, 13 February 2018, www.psycom.net/social-media-teen-mental-health. Accessed 17 September 2018.
• Maldonado, Marissa. ‘The Anxiety of Facebook.’ Psychcentral. 16 July 2016, www.psychcentral.com/lib/the-anxiety-of-facebook/. Accessed 18 September 2018.

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Social Media Thesis Statement: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health. (2023, Aug 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/social-media-thesis-statement-the-impact-of-social-media-on-mental-health/

"Social Media Thesis Statement: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health." PapersOwl.com , 1 Aug 2023, https://papersowl.com/examples/social-media-thesis-statement-the-impact-of-social-media-on-mental-health/

PapersOwl.com. (2023). Social Media Thesis Statement: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/social-media-thesis-statement-the-impact-of-social-media-on-mental-health/ [Accessed: 23 Apr. 2024]

"Social Media Thesis Statement: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health." PapersOwl.com, Aug 01, 2023. Accessed April 23, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/social-media-thesis-statement-the-impact-of-social-media-on-mental-health/

"Social Media Thesis Statement: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health," PapersOwl.com , 01-Aug-2023. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/social-media-thesis-statement-the-impact-of-social-media-on-mental-health/. [Accessed: 23-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2023). Social Media Thesis Statement: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/social-media-thesis-statement-the-impact-of-social-media-on-mental-health/ [Accessed: 23-Apr-2024]

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What Is a Good Thesis Statement About Depression?

Do you need to compose an informative or an argumentative essay on depression? One of the vital parts of your paper is a thesis statement on depression. Note there are various types of thesis statements, and what you use depends on the type of essay you are writing. A thesis summarizes the concept that you write on your research paper or the bottom line that you will write in your essay. It should elaborate more on the depression topics for the research paper you are working on. But at times, you might have a hard time writing your thesis statement.

Good Thesis Statement about Teenage Depression

Bipolar disorder thesis statements about depression, interesting thesis statements about depression, interesting thesis statement about diagnosis and treatment of depression, thesis statement about stress and depression, free thesis statements about depression and anxiety, get help with your depression research paper.

Here is a list of thesis statements to have an easier time writing your essay. They cover different topics, making it easy to select what excites you. Here we go!

Are you writing about teenagers and how they are always overthinking about their future, and they end up getting depressed? You need to write a good thesis statement for a depression research paper. That will help your depression argumentative essay stand out. Here are some thesis statement for depression to check out.

• There is a link between depression and alcohol among teenagers and the various ways to control it.
• Teenagers dealing with mood disorders eat and sleep more than usual, getting less interested in regular activities.
• Mediation is an effective way to reach out to adolescents that show heightened symptoms of depression.
• Self-blaming attributions are social cognitive mechanisms among adolescents.
• Peer victimization causes high-stress levels among adolescents and has negative psychological consequences.

Choosing a good depression thesis statement on bipolar disorder can be hectic. Research on bipolar will require a good thesis statement for mental health. Choose a thesis statement about mental health awareness here.

• People with Bipolar depression have more difficulties getting quality sleep.
• Bipolar disorder influences every aspect of a person’s life and changes their quality of life.
• Bipolar disorder causes depressive moods or lows of mental disorder.
• Bipolar is a severe mental issue that can negatively impact your moods, self-esteem, and behavior.
• Psychological evaluations play a significant role in diagnosing bipolar disorder.

When writing your essay, ensure that the thesis statement for mental health is fascinating. You will impress your professors if you get the right depression research paper outline as your thesis statement. Here is a depression thesis statement you can use.

• The effects of human psychology are viewed in the form of depression.
• Clinical psychology can help to bring outpatients who have depression.
• Treating long-term depression in bipolar patients is possible.
• Bipolar patients are drained to the roots of depression.
• Well-established rehabilitation centers can help bring drug addicts from depression.

Are you thinking of writing a thesis on depression and how to treat it? If so, you need to have an excellent thesis statement about mental health that will impress your professor. Read this list to find a thesis you need for your research paper.

• There are different ways to diagnose and treat depression from its early stage.
• People who show signs of depression from an early stage and seek treatment are likely to recover instead of those who do not show early signs.
• After you receive treatment for depression, putting the right measure in place is one of the best and effective ways to ensure that you do not get it again for the second time.
• Anxiety can interfere with daily living, and it can get anyone from children to adults.
• Besides medication, you need a lifestyle change and acceptance to treat depression.

Is your research about stress and how it can impact mental health? Getting a thesis statement for depression research paper that impresses your examiners can be challenging. Choose a thesis statement for your mental illness research paper below.

• Although it is normal for various situations to cause stress, having constant stress can have detrimental effects.
• To survive the modern industrial society, you need to have stress management strategies.
• The challenges of understanding and adapting to the changing environment can lead to stress.
• Lack of proper stress management will lead to inefficiency in everything people do.
• Stress does not come unless there are underlying stressors in your life.

Our team of writers is well-conversant about a free thesis statement about anxiety you can use. The best anxiety thesis statement will help you get the best grades. Here is a list of statements that stands out:

• Many factors can lead to early anxiety, but the leading cause of anxiety in adolescents is directly linked to families.
• Anxiety is a severe mental disorder that can occur without any apparent triggers.
• Long-term depression and anxiety can impact your mental health, but you can recover if you seek treatment.
• Depression and anxiety are not interlinked, and it is essential to learn how to differentiate them on practical grounds.
• Society has a role to play in helping people come out of depression and anxiety.

How do you write a research paper about depression and how it affects mental health? Before choosing a thesis statement on mental health, have a clear understanding of the essay that you are writing. That will help you get the best thesis to make our essay stand out.

But don’t keep stressing out about your thesis statement for mental illness research paper. We have your work cut out because our skilled writers have compiled a list of thesis statements about mental health and depression topics for research paper writing. We will also suggest correct thesis statements for your essay homework or assignment.

If you are still unsure of the statement to use, get in touch with us today. We have a team of skilled and experienced writers that can help you with your essay or research project and ensure that you get the best grades.

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Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• 1 Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• 2 Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• 3 Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• 4 Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• 5 Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• 6 Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• 7 Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Question   What is the prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness?

Findings   In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the prevalence of current and lifetime mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness was high, with male individuals exhibiting a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of any mental health disorder compared to female individuals.

Meaning   These findings demonstrate that most people experiencing homelessness have mental health disorders, with current and lifetime prevalence generally much greater than that observed in general community samples.

Importance   Several factors may place people with mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, at increased risk of experiencing homelessness and experiencing homelessness may also increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. Meta-analyses examining the prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness globally are lacking.

Objective   To determine the current and lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness and identify associated factors.

Data Sources   A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and AMED) was conducted from inception to May 1, 2021.

Study Selection   Studies investigating the prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness aged 18 years and older were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis   Data extraction was completed using standardized forms in Covidence. All extracted data were reviewed for accuracy by consensus between 2 independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence (with 95% CIs) of mental health disorders in people experiencing homelessness. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, study year, age group, region, risk of bias, and measurement method. Meta-regression was conducted to examine the association between mental health disorders and age, risk of bias, and study year.

Main Outcomes and Measures   Current and lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness.

Results   A total of 7729 citations were retrieved, with 291 undergoing full-text review and 85 included in the final review (N = 48 414 participants, 11 154 [23%] female and 37 260 [77%] male). The current prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness was 67% (95% CI, 55-77), and the lifetime prevalence was 77% (95% CI, 61-88). Male individuals exhibited a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders (86%; 95% CI, 74-92) compared to female individuals (69%; 95% CI, 48-84). The prevalence of several specific disorders were estimated, including any substance use disorder (44%), antisocial personality disorder (26%), major depression (19%), schizophrenia (7%), and bipolar disorder (8%).

Conclusions and Relevance   The findings demonstrate that most people experiencing homelessness have mental health disorders, with higher prevalences than those observed in general community samples. Specific interventions are needed to support the mental health needs of this population, including close coordination of mental health, social, and housing services and policies to support people experiencing homelessness with mental disorders.

Read More About

Barry R , Anderson J , Tran L, et al. Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis . JAMA Psychiatry. Published online April 17, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0426

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• Pennsylvania

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle issues statement after warrant issued for his brother, Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle

In the statement, congressman brendan boyle says kevin boyle's mental illness "has been a nightmare for our family.".

• 6abc digital staff

Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., ranking member of the House Budget Committee, testifies to a House Rules Committee meeting to prepare the debt limit bill, The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, for a vote on the floor, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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Kevin Boyle, also a Democrat, represents part of the city in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He has served in the  Pa. House since 2011.

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Following the incident, the House took away Kevin Boyle’s committee chairmanship and Capitol access.

He said he was “seeking help” after that incident.

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Bondi attacker had ‘mental health issues’ but most people with mental illness aren’t violent

University Distinguished Professor of Forensic Behavioural Science & Dean, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology

Disclosure statement

James Ogloff receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council for his research. He is a Strategic Advisor to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare) in Victoria.

Swinburne University of Technology provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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The man who killed six people and injured countless others at a Bondi shopping centre on Saturday, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, reportedly had “mental health issues”, police explained soon after the tragic event, while ruling out terrorism.

Cauchi had reportedly been diagnosed with a mental illness at age 17 years and had received treatment in the public and private sector. But Queensland Police said Cauchi’s mental health had declined in recent years.

No matter the circumstances, such acts of violence must be condemned. If mental health issues contribute to such acts, they need to be understood and prevented.

Read more: As Australia reels from the Bondi attack, such mass murder incidents remain rare

However it’s important to note the vast majority of people with mental illness do not pose a risk of violence to others.

Tragically, there is still an unacceptable level of stigma and misunderstanding of mental illness, including the mistaken belief that people with mental illness are violent. People may draw conclusions from cases such as the Bondi attack, where people with histories of mental illness engage in violence.

So is there a link between mental illness and violent crime? Here’s what the evidence says.

For most people with mental illness, there’s no increase in violence

Research from Australia and overseas shows a small percentage of people with serious forms of mental illness may be at increased risk for violence.

Our research in Victoria, for example, shows 10% of people with schizophrenia (a serious form of mental illness where the person can be so unwell as to be out of touch with reality) have perpetrated a violent crime. This compares with about 2.4% of the general population. So, while the people who have schizophrenia were more likely to have a violent offence, the vast majority of them did not.

The findings are mixed regarding a direct relationship between more common mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, and violence.

Although the reasons that anyone – including people with psychiatric illnesses – offends vary, we identify three categories of people with mental illness who engage in violence.

1. Irrational thinking and beliefs

The first is the very small group of people with a serious mental illness, typically schizophrenia, who act violently as a direct result of symptoms of mental illness.

For these people, their illness leads to irrational thinking and beliefs that can increase the likelihood of them behaving violently. A person may develop delusional beliefs they are being targeted or their lives are in danger if they do not act violently against perceived enemies.

For these people, if they did not have the particular symptoms of mental illness, they would not offend.

People in this category may be found not guilty by reason of mental impairment. They are then typically held in secure hospitals or prisons where they are treated and eventually released , when they are no longer found to be a risk to others.

2. Overlap with social factors

The second category is much larger, and more varied. For this group, people do not offend because of their mental illnesses, per se, but due to the related individual and social issues that may accompany mental illness.

People with some forms of mental illness may be more likely to engage in substance misuse, for example, which may, in turn, contribute to offending.

Many of the negative social factors associated with serious forms of mental illness overlap with the negative social factors that increase the probability of being violent.

People with serious forms of mental illness who have backgrounds characterised by social and family disruption and disadvantage together with abuse, behavioural disturbances, substance use and educational failure and disengagement are significantly more likely to offend than people with mental illnesses who do not have such disturbances in their backgrounds.

Of course, most people with a psychotic illness do not come from such disadvantaged backgrounds.

Research and clinical experience also show factors related to offending within this group are similar to those who do not have mental illness. In addition to substance abuse, this can include violent attitudes, exposure to trauma and violence, association with people who are antisocial, and poor family and professional support.

3. Mental illness isn’t related

The final group of people with mental illness who offend do so irrespective of their mental illness. People in this group are typically characterised by early onset antisocial and illegal behaviour.

They differ from other offenders with mental illness by having a pervasive and stable pattern of offending regardless of their mental state. This behaviour almost always precedes the onset of mental illness.

While people with a psychopathic or antisocial personality disorder will be included in this group, not all of the people in the group will have such a personality disorder.

Mental health care can reduce the chance of violence

It’s not the mental illness per se that causes people to be violent. Rather, it’s symptoms of the illnesses and related factors.

There is good evidence therefore that providing psychiatric and psychological care can help manage symptoms of mental illness and reduce the likelihood of violence.

It’s also important to address the broader factors that are related to offending and violence among people who are mentally ill.

Unfortunately, partly as a result of the pressures on mental health services, staff have few resources to help address the array of factors that can lead to one behaving violently. Continued investment and education is required to boost the services and address the factors that lead to violence among people with mental illness.

While we have made some progress in the recognition that mental illness affects a large percentage of the population, individual acts of violence committed by someone with mental illness must not lead us to jump to conclusions that all people with mental illness are violent.

Read more: Sydneysiders witnessed horrific scenes. How do you process and recover from such an event?

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