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Post by Sara Massey on Jun 21, 2017 2:13:24 GMT -4
Texting Suicide
I completely agree with the writer of this article in that Michelle Carter indirectly committed murder and should be given a sentence that matches her crimes. It is really unfortunate for Conrad Roy that he had such a manipulative, selfish, and sick girlfriend who essentially persuaded and convinced him to take his own life. Mentally fragile people have impaired judgment and can be easily swayed. Regardless of the fact that Michelle Carter was supposedly dealing with her own mental health issues, I think she should still be held accountable for what she did. There was a great deal of exploitation and planning that went on for a number of days or weeks even, and her having mental health issues should not be used as a scapegoat, and definitely does not justify what she did.
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Post by AlanaWharton on Jun 21, 2017 8:33:40 GMT -4
PTSD: Why People Avoid Mental Health Treatment
I believe perceived stigma is the main reason why anyone would not seek treatment for mental illness,and the truth is there is a stigma attached to having a mental illness. The time concerns are understandable because even people with physical illness will go untreated for some of the same reasons listed under time. However, I don't thing people realize going with out treatment especially when symptomatic can also delay work because it will affect their productivity. Some of the measures put in place to ensure that the security clearance of military personnel is protected and it cannot just be revoked due to a person indicating that they were/are going to therapy is great; these are the kind of things that will assist in decreasing perceived stigma. Unfortunately a mental illness could derail a career path, but some physical illness also result in the same derailment, as the safety of others as well as the patient is the main concern. Overall I think people should be commended for seeking treatment because it shows they understand and take seriously their illness and the effect it could have on their performance if left untreated.
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Post by AlanaWharton on Jun 21, 2017 9:17:56 GMT -4
Salo: Encouraging Suicide is Murder
Honestly I don't think Ms. Carter thought that she would be tried and found guilty for the role she played in Mr. Roy's suicide. Regardless of her mental illness(es), the only thing that should matter is if she was competent and understood at that time what she was doing and the possible effect it would have on Mr. Roy at that point in time. If Ms. Carter was competent at the time, then I don't agree with the charges of Involuntary Manslaughter (a.k.a Negligent Homicide). Involuntary manslaughter implies that the murder was unintentional; there is nothing unintentional about suicide, it is premeditated murder of oneself, and I think she should have been charged with being an Accessory Before the Fact (someone who knows about a crime before it is committed and encourages the execution of said crime). Let's be honest if this was a case of Mr. Roy going to commit a murder and then catching cold feet and calling/messaging his girlfriend to tell her he can't go through with it, and her response is to encourage him to proceed with the murder as planned, which he does. In this scenario Mr. Roy would be charged with murder and Ms. Carter though not present would be considered an accomplice before the fact by virtue of knowing of the offenders intent and encouraging it. A suicide is still murder even though it is murder of oneself, and Ms. Carter should be held accountable for the role she played. This verdict now sets a new precedent for suicide cases and the level of culpability for those who encourage via text, and hopefully now people will think twice before they click send.
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Post by Amy Emtage on Jun 21, 2017 9:38:44 GMT -4
P.T.S.D. - Why people avoid mental health treatment This article presents a very practical perspective regarding mental health stigma in the military community. This community represents those who are considered the strongest and most resilient in society. We admire them for their ability to serve under extreme pressure. What we forget is that even the strongest can be worn and broken down eventually. Their service requires them to face stress and trauma at levels not often paralleled in civilian life. The author provides clear advice that endeavors to encourage those experiencing PTSD or related disorders to seek assistance. He addresses the fear of repercussion by reminding that security clearance and status are not jeopardized and that career success is actually improved by addressing mental health challenges. He emphasizes how confidentially will be respected and assures that every effort will be made to simplify treatment through assignment transfer or time off. Overall the author emphasizes hope that recovery to regain full capacity for service is indeed a possibility.
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Post by ljones on Jun 21, 2017 14:38:35 GMT -4
Salo: Texting Suicide
I do not agree that she was a “murderer” as she was deemed, however i do agree that she was an accessory to the act. She is responsible for her direct influences, knowing very well that he was fragile. I also agree that she should be held liable for his death as she knew what drove his suicidal ideations and despite her mental illness, she was completely competent and knew her full intentions. There was also no evidence that her actions were premeditated which rose some questions like; did she persuade him to commit suicide initially, knowing his vulnerable, fragile state?, as she herself has had several suicide attempts. On the other hand, her extreme attention-seeking behaviors could have been argued to be linked to a psychological deficit and instability which could possible account for the development of her eating disorders. She could have been committed rather than going to prison.
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Post by ljones on Jun 21, 2017 16:22:57 GMT -4
P.T.S.D- Why people avoid mental health treatment
The beliefs of society towards mental health definitely has a negative impact on persons who suffer with mental illnesses and it is evident in some clinics as persons attending mental health professionals do not like to be called by their full names within the vicinity of others and that accounts for some of those who do actually attend. The affected are hence challenged in 2 forms such as coping with their ailments and their presenting symptoms along with the prejudice of the society and its ignorance of mental health. This can cause self stigma in some within the population of persons with mental illness. In regards to delay of seeking assistance, this also occurs with general health issues and at a minority when compared to mental health. Hesitations are typically due to fear of doctors or even belief that they are going to be scorned by society due to their sicknesses. It is a big misconception that persons prefer not attend a physician in order not to affect their jobs and daily life styles, but their untreated symptoms can affect them severely enough to still affect their occupations and may lead to further consequences than if they were initially treated. In relation to veterans who suffer with P.T.S.D, the stigma is some what amplified. War and its related events are very traumatic and because they are physically strong, they are automatically expected to be emotionally strong. It is tremendous that the military has implemented their aspects regarding persons with mental health issues, minimizing discrimination and increasing fair chances.
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Post by trupalpatel on Jun 22, 2017 10:29:41 GMT -4
Salo:Texting Suicide
This is a case where not doing anything as a consequence to a death when there is clear evidence means agreeing that it is okay to encourage suicide in the future. Ms.Carter should be held accountable for directly influencing the death of boyfriend Mr.Roy, but at the same time she had previous SAs and self-cutting behavior which complicates her punishment. Putting her in jail for life (not sure time) won't solve any of her issues. Both the victim and the girlfriend were teenagers as well and their judgement could have been severely impaired by stressors probably of social,familial, or academic origin. If both had been seeking mental health therapy, I would like to hear the providers' side of their assessment and medications. What makes it worse is that he wanted to stop after the first attempt but she encouraged him to get back in directly via another text. She also pre-preplanned it like many suicide attempts and told people he was missing. Suicide is a big deal and time may not heal every "suicide survivor". This article reminds me of "Gone Girl" in terms of the manipulation. Also, not too far off from Dr. Hannibal Lecter who made one of his victims mutilate his own face in a therapy session. "13 Reasons Why" is another suicide series which has caused recent controversy.
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Post by Robert Eke on Jun 22, 2017 10:42:57 GMT -4
PTSD is a condition that can be addressed medically. It is not a self imposed condition and it is not caused by reckless leaving, so i dont see any reason why somebody would want to stigmatize people who are seeking help for this condition. What is wrong if a war veteran who has been traumatized by the horrors of war and is now suffering from the aftermath in the form of PTSD in seeking help. Some of these men and women put their lives on harms way to protect others. What is wrong if an individual who has been traumatized by a gruesome experience and is now been hunted by it if he/she seeks help. As we learnt from the article, it is reassuring to know that there is no discrimination for patients of PTSD in federal employments on the grounds that they sought treatment for such a condition.Given that information, it is now incumbent on all those with the condition to seek help. Hiding and keeping quite will definitely worsen the condition and eventually make the person unemployable.
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Post by rkhonat on Jun 23, 2017 10:55:40 GMT -4
Article "texting suicide"
This article shows the importance of having a good support group. The victim in this article seems to not have had anyone else to talk too other than his girlfriend. If he had someone else, such as a physician,counselor, close friend, or family member they may have been able to help him. The fact that his girlfriend was enabling and encouraging his suicide raises questions about her own mental health. Was this the actions of a Antisocial Personality Disorder, or a histrionic personally.
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Post by trupalpatel on Jun 23, 2017 12:56:12 GMT -4
PTSD
PTSD
This article emphasizes the stigma that people who seek mental health are weak. In the generally alpha atmosphere of war it may appear that way,however PTSD manifests post trauma when the reality of home and flashbacks and adjustment difficulties take place. Veterans need mental help to prevent psychosis, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. Reasons for not seeking help in the article included having security clearances demoted, loss of job opportunities, and prejudice from family and friends. However, the consequences of not seeking mental health are much greater. In a time where guns are prevalent and veterans are going undiagnosed with mental health issues, it is imperative we provide the care needed to prevent larger catastrophes. It was interesting that a majority of adults reported that mental health treatment us beneficial however those without therapy felt providers cared more than the actual people who have sought it. This perception vs reality stigma about providers not caring enough needs to be changed if mental health is to be taken seriously and in a non judgemental attitude for greater care of those who need it most.
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Post by rkhonat on Jun 23, 2017 13:15:11 GMT -4
PTSD: why people avoid mental health treatment This was an interesting article on how the military is dealing with mental health. Seeing how the rise in PTSD is increasing in our returning veterans, it is good that the military is to making an active effort to treat and supports individuals with PTSD. Making sure that there is early Treatment available for individuals with PTSD as well as other mental problems does improve the productivity of all and can help greatly reduce the risks of suicide from both depression patients and PTSD patients. I think if they really do update their documentation so that it is non-judgmental, then those military personnel with mental issues will seekmedical treatment and sooner
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Post by mgirard on Jun 24, 2017 10:39:32 GMT -4
PTSD- Why people avoid mental health treatment
This article highlights the barriers soldiers face in seeking help for the treatment of PTSD. They are afraid of what others may think of them, afraid of losing their jobs or being reassigned to lighter duties and afraid they don’t have the time to seek treatment. I think that these can be applied to really anyone who has a job and is suffering from mental illness. Of note, PTSD is not only seen in military personnel but it is also seen in high rates among first responders (police, firefighters, and paramedics), doctors, and nurses. I think that employers, especially in these fields, need to ensure their staff are aware of the risks of PTSD and make an effort to make sure all of their employees know that help is available and that there are no consequences to seeking help, that is it confidential, that it is not something to be ashamed of and that it is common, they are not alone. The more people talk about it, the less “taboo” or shameful it may feel to the person suffering. We can also help as peers or as primary care providers, by learning more about PTSD and getting the conversation started.
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Post by AKIEYA CUMBERBATCH on Jun 25, 2017 20:24:13 GMT -4
PTSD - All are valuable points as to why one would shy away from seeking PTSD treatment; however, they should not be the driving factors for a person not to receive treatment. Like stated in the article, productivity is better when a person is healthy. Persons are able to function at their optimum without being hindered by thoughts or moods that one constantly has to be reminded of or try to avoid. There is no reason why persons should continuously feel as though they are pressured or shone upon for trauma (PTSD or any other mental concern) they have experienced throughout life, especially as it relates to giving their life for a country. Far less making the decision to enroll in the army for said number of years in itself is no easy task to undertake. I do hope someday mental health conditions will be seen as the flu or gunshot wound, meaning that, just like all other ailments and problems in the medical arena mental health requires treatment in order for a person to recover and regain control of their life.
Texting Suicide - What I just read had to be a section out of a non-fictional book!?!?!! To think the person you trust and care for ordains your whole death? And to have it plotted from start to finish with the day, time and exact minutes till death? He definitely picked the wrong one to love but like it's proven time and time again Love is Blind! It's sad to know his depression and state of mind was never cared for by a professional so that he could have managed to have had a better outlook on his own life and wasn't dependent solely on this young lady. This is murder no further questions need to be asked. She may be suffering from mental illness too but she is fully aware of what would be his outcome. She even had time to contemplate all the extras she could throw and that could spin off "reflecting her in good light" for her own personal gain. Wow!
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Post by Amy Emtage on Jun 26, 2017 0:23:50 GMT -4
"Encouraging suicide is murder" This article effectively addresses the reality that individuals with mental health issues are vulnerable targets for abuse. Society is responsible for the protection of its members particularly those who are less able to protect themselves. While suicide by definition is self inflicted, the cause of death is not limited to the physical proceedings but also the mental motivation behind them. Therefore society must also consider emotional weapons as well as physical ones when investigating a cause of death. In this scenario, the girlfriend used emotional force to induce the victim to cause his own death. She began by introducing and reaffirming the concept in his mind. She suggested means and methods. She gradually broke down his natural mental protections such as the grief of those he loved. She isolated him from those who could have provided him with resources and withheld information from officials that would have led to his rescue. Her stated motivation was compassion. Her reward was self gratification from the sympathy and attention she received from her community. We rightfully consider this to be an act of murder. This case was accomplished on an individual level, however, it seems eerily comparable with the advent of assisted suicide for the mentally ill on a national level in some countries. Despite the use of checks and balances in nations where this has been implemented, many documented cases have similar features to the one recorded in this article. These involve the introduction of a simpler alternative option that does not require the discipline and persistence of therapy. An option which would lessen the apparent burden of care resting upon society and family. A seemingly merciful offer that would bring admiration and commendation to its successful proponents. The cause of death is considered natural and due to emotional factors despite its being medically induced. Perhaps it is time to reconsider the guilt that could fall on a nation's shoulders should they choose to tactfully offer such merciful escapes to those they are no longer willing to inspire with hope.
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Post by joy iroro on Jun 26, 2017 22:15:12 GMT -4
PTSD: why people avoid mental health treatment
PTSD is fairly common and could be resolved with adequate support and medical treatment. Military personnel in particular should be provided the adequate help and support to help them survive the mental challenges they constantly face. Society needs a better understanding and tolerance of those with mental difficulties , it should not be percieved as a thing of shame but rather treatment should be encouraged. The primary support should come from immediate family members, friends etc. Lack of time seems like a silly excuse but is very common, most people try to wait out symptoms before seeking help. It however should not be encouraged, as the article states the earlier help is sought the earlier the problem is resolved.
TEXTING SUICIDE
The case details a young girl who encouraged her boyfriend to kill himself. I strongly believe that encouraging suicide or providing a suicidal person with the means should be considered murder. He struggled with mental health issues as did she, but she was very detailed and has even come up with several ways to portray herself as the victim. The 'survivors' would need adequate support to get over the tragedy , the feeling that you could have done something to save someone would cause a huge emotional strain on them. I agree with the author of the article, a guilty verdict was very much deserved. Hopefully this case would discourage others from doing same, and also encourage others to get the help they need.
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