Mental illness and the dehumanization of criminals

I want to make it clear before I begin that I condemn all criminal acts and, without a doubt, no victim deserves anything that happens to them. However, as a criminology graduate and prison worker, I support the social reintegration and psychological care of criminals.

Rob Reiner, renowned filmmaker, and his wife (may they rest in peace), were murdered by their mentally ill son last night. I believe this is an opportunity to discuss mental illness.

The glorification of mental illness is not okay. There is growing aversion to these health conditions due to the misuse of terms associated with them. 

I understand that the diagnosis of mental illness is not cheap and many people cannot afford it, but it should be treated like any other physical illness. A diagnosis is needed and, if necessary, medication. 

The vast majority of problems involving violence, murderers, abusers, etc., stem from mental illness, which you are not born with. Neglect by family, friends, the healthcare system, the government... all of this conspires against people who are mentally ill and does not help them get better. 

We need to be careful not to confuse accountability with stigma. Acknowledging mental illness as a contributing factor does not mean excusing harmful actions, but it does mean recognizing that punishment alone does not prevent future violence. Prevention comes from early intervention, accessible mental healthcare, and strong support networks that can identify warning signs before tragedy occurs.

Compassion is not weakness. Building systems that prioritize treatment, rehabilitation, and dignity ultimately makes communities safer and more humane. Ignoring mental illness, or turning it into a joke or an aesthetic, only deepens the harm. Real change begins when we choose empathy, responsibility, and collective care over fear and rejection.

Every time an act of violence is committed by a sick person, they are turned into a monster, and we strip them of their humanity as if we were ashamed of being the same species as them. We should recognize their humanity and support their reintegration or improvement as a person within the prison system (depending on your views)

If you wouldn't blame someone for catching a cold, why would you look down on a schizophrenic or a psychopath? No one is better than anyone else; certain people need more help than others due to certain traumas or events in their lives.

Help others and let others help you. We can all be victims of negligence.