How mental illness has become a political issue.

In light of the Sun's recent choice to project the screaming headline; " 1,200 Killed by Mental Patients" (capitalised and super-imposed of course), the grotesque nature of how those suffering with mental illnesses has been highlighted. 

The Sun

The Story the Sun chose to run with, titled "Broken people  ... Broken System" was based on a recent report conducted by Manchester University, which indicated that during the nine year period between 2001 and 2010, 1,216 homicides occured, which lead to the conviction of those dubbed with "mental illness". The Sun used this evidence as basis to take a jointly negative view of those suffering with illnesses themselves, as well as the failure of the state to ensure those at disadvantage are given the support they need. In terms of the prior, the NHS claims that the Sun's interpretation of the evidence is "misleading", claiming that data specifies patients who have been only in contact with mental health services (in the last 12 months) or simply those acting out of mental conditions or psychotic symptoms such as depression, or hallucinations. In any case, all statistics show how ill-timed a piece this is, with mental health diagnosis figures steady since 1990, related-homicide steady since 2004 and the emergence of mass awareness as well as campaigns on all levels advocating greater emphasis on the treatment of those with mental illness.  It seems apparent to ask the question then, why would the Sun run such a piece? 

Criminality?                                       

One in four people in Britain will experience mental health problems in their lifetimes, most of the time mild and controllable. The Sun, and other right wing media outlets have strove to stigmatize those few in extreme situations, to create a sense of fear attributed to the issue. In this way all constructive bridges between the healthcare service and mental health patients are discarded or forgotten. The Sun's presentation of those diagnosed with mental health problems is that of failed, social-burdens whom benefit from the welfare state whilst posing some sort of threat to national security - lest we forget the sheer volume of greater threats that the Sun could have opted as a front page instead of the mentally ill. It is almost self-evident then that this irresponsible mis-representation of reality is universally condemnable. It is the stigma itself which must be reverted back to truth-hood.

The Government

The other point which the article touched on, but perhaps should have explored, is how the NHS have failed people with mental condition in terms of the necessary funding and treatment. The current shortage of funds does mean that those in most dire need of aid are neglected, adding to the already mountain-like weight on the shoulders of the ill, let alone the seriously ill, and let alone the seriously mentally ill who are as much victims as those who may suffer as a result of their actions. Depression and Anxiety are ignored, as "stress" or a part and parcel of undertaking your social responsibility. The government has failed to recognise a potential social disease, whilst leaving the chasm of the ever-growing ghost in the machine that the mentally ill reside in very much open. Austerity measures do not help this situation testing the boundaries of tolerance that suffering citizens wield before their own government. 

Until the vicious campaigns against patients of mental illness, proudly proclaiming in the sky above the right wing, are shot down, there will be a distorted image of some of the greatest sufferers in this society, and will consequentially lead to the inability for this group of unfortunate citizens fit into society.

Perhaps it's the remnants of the initial part of the Leveson Enquiry, or perhaps the recent "Daily Mail vs. Milliband father and son” saga, but the public mood reflects that of a discontent people who cannot even trust their "free" media to represent those soon becoming, utterly, voiceless.