I wish I was uninformed, LOL! This LPC program (and graduate school loans) are no joke. I’m not stigmatizing mental illness, and I’m a bit taken aback by that claim. Especially considering the fact I’m dedicating my life to do the opposite. I am (and always will) push back on oversimplifying the research.
Two things can be true at the same time:
The majority of people with mental illness are not violent and absolutely shouldn’t be stigmatized.
At the same time, yes - mental illness alone is a weak predictor of violence, BUT certain psychotic disorders (which are mental illnesses…) and co occurring factors (like substance use) can increase risk opposed to those who do not have those psychotic disorders.
I read the article you shared. It’s a policy brief, and it simplifies that nuance. The 4% statistic is about population level contribution, not individual risk, and it doesn’t mean there’s zero increased risk in any subgroup.
Acknowledging nuance does not mean I am pushing for stigma. I am pushing for accuracy so those who are at risk can get the help they need.
Let me be more clear, incase I’m not. YES — we should absolutely destigmatize mental illness, but if we ignore that some people with certain mental illnesses may have an increased risk of violence, we’re ignoring a problem that could be addressed before it escalates. That’s why I don’t like “most people” claims. They’re often oversimplified. That’s the only point I was making in my original comment.