Normally, I try to avoid exploiting the tragedies of others. But, the shooting death of the Georgia-Tech student wielding a knife this past weekend, demonstrates the need for a revamping of mental-health regulations, nationwide. This recent shooting came on the heels of a UT college student who is currently in jail for stabbing three fellow-students, killing one, in May 2017.
In each of the cases, it is ‘obvious’ that the students were in emotional distress. One lived to see another day. Sadly, his days will be behind bars for many years. The other, did what seems to be quite common of late, ‘suicide by cop.’
In the most recent case, it seems that a young man, dealing with LGBTQ issues, while trying to find his way through the very difficult terrain of college-life for those who are ‘different’, found himself beyond the ability to process commands. Or, did he want to die? A big part of me wishes those would have been bean bags that brought him down; but whichever the case, the story is very sad.
Being a student coping with sexuality issues should have made him part of the short list of students who was known by name. Asking him, 'What's your name?' is a clear indicator that the police and mental-health workers aren't working in sync.
And, with the opiod epidemic entering the forefront for a few hours, a few weeks ago, it is scenarios such as this that makes me want to keep the discussion going until Rx overhaul and reform is complete.
Prayers for all involved.
Peace.
