The article discusses the contentious issue of the legalization procedures of firearm ownership. The basis of the argument is that mental illness is associated with mass shootings and its role in making the shooter behave in such a manner. As illuminable from the article, the issue affects the community at large. The lawmakers, including the president, are involved in discussing the matter. Javanbakht, the article author, outlines a psychiatric point of view in discussing his perspective on the subject.
Javanbakht elucidates that mental illness is a significant health issue that affects a significant section of the population. With 1 in 5 people experiencing a mental health condition, it becomes difficult to use mental illness as the cause of mass shootings (Javanbakht, 2018). The author also raises the question of gun ownership and its procedures now that a significant section of the population suffers from one form of mental illness. Based on the arguments, several forms of mental illness are recorded by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The author observes that mental disorders have been used in the past as scapegoats for gun misuse. The authorship argues that not all mental disorders should be used as a scapegoat for gun misuse, and gun ownership procedures should now consider the mental state of the buyer to ensure public safety.
The article challenges the use of mental illness as a reason to avoid criminal charges in gun misuse cases and its use in their purchase. The identification that there are several mental disorders, most of which do not affect individuals’ choices, brings to light the deficiencies in laws focused on addressing gun ownership and misuse. The source articulates that identifying individuals who should own guns should be a comprehensive process that prioritizes the safety of community members over the needs of an individual. The topic connects to the NASW Code of Ethics by discussing a key global issue. Mental illness is an increasing public health concern, and there is a need for interventions.
Reference
Javanbakht, A. (2018). Guns and mental illness: How do you judge who shouldn’t get weapons? CBS News.