The conversation around mental health has moved on, we’re told: we’re better at talking, better at listening. Last month, Greater Manchester police was forced to defend its decision to prosecute two mentally ill women for “causing traffic jams” during attempts to kill themselves. Any first response, whether that comes from police or mental health professionals, should be sensitive, respectful and empathetic. To fine someone or threaten them with jail time because of a suicide attempt is simply to reinforce this; it does absolutely nothing to challenge it. But as with so many elements of the modern mental health discourse, it simply doesn’t go far enough.

Source: The Guardian June 04, 2019 09:45 UTC