TAW122
Emissary of the right to die.
- Aug 30, 2018
- 6,888
Even though I had a similar topic about IVC's/IVH's (Involuntary Commitments/Involuntary Holds, psych holds, etc.), I thought I'd have a separate thread for a similar topic. In the other thread I used a real world analogy (albeit exaggerated) to illustrate and show how ignorant and misinformed that most people are about the nature of such paternalistic and custodial procedures imposed on individuals are like, however, this one is more focused on society's and the public's attitudes towards people who are suspected of being insane, irrational, unsound of mind, or such (no due process) and the other is simply deemed at least rational (presumably), although of bad character. See another thread titled "Why I would rather live in a time where CTB was actually criminalized" as well as "Why the criminal justice system (compared to the mental health system) is the lesser of two carceral systems" as references.
Just as a quick disclaimer, I have neither been arrested, interacted with the legal or medical system in that way, nor have I been placed in such situations. The information I have are from my own research online, some anecdotes from people who have in such situations IRL (even going back almost a decade ago or longer). Therefore, I am just writing this article to give my two cents as well as exposing the hypocrisy and inconsistency that society has for people in both systems. Of course, if one finds themselves in either system, they are both pretty harmful and detrimental as both as carceral and paternalistic in nature, albeit with differences.
In most situations, while an accused criminal still faces legal consequences (or at least having to defend their name and freedom through the legal system, having their character and reputation dragged through mud while attempting or in the process of clearing their name, even if later found not guilty), they are still afforded some dignity and credibility while those who are deemed insane just don't have as much a defense and just about anything they said is just another symptom, even if it is to try to disprove (unfalsifiable) claims lodged against them.
For example, when one is falsely accused of a crime (legally speaking, innocent until proven guilty), there are generally various actions of recourse an individual can take, be it through legal channels and even in some cases, social support (sympathizers and those who understand and relate to said individual) from one's peers. These could include actions done by others (social justice), civil suits for defamation, libel, and slander, and even recourse against 'false imprisonment', 'kidnapping', and more (there are laws and statutes on the books in the criminal justice system). However, in the realm and mental health, psychiatric system, there is very little of that – very few cases where a wrongly committed patient has successfully levied action against said institutions and even the bad actor (a medical professional – doctor, psychiatrist, mental health professional, etc.) themselves.). This is because of the stigma and even narrow view that most people have (oftenly misinformed and ignorant) of those who are labelled mentally ill, unsound of mind, or irrational; people who are labelled as that suddenly don't have credibility, a voice, or any (tangible) rights at least in society. Even if the falsely labelled had legitimate grievances and complaints, they are generally dismissed and ignored by most people.
While society and people are distrustful of criminals (whether accused or even convicted), it treats suicidal people even worse, not only distrustful, but also paternalistic and without any credibility. Sure, exceptions exist and various toxic communities like r/SW, r/depression, r/legaladvice, and a few (especially the latter) treat accused criminals as guilty and even gaslight, bully, or harass them. These people act in bad faith and are really just out there to witch hunt, feel morally superior and righteous while doing so, even at the cost of the victim (in the case of accused people or even people who are, in good faith looking for actual advice).
So overall, while both systems, the mental health system and criminal justice system are both carceral in nature, the mental health system and it's paternalistic, tyrannical practices are worse than that of those suspected of crimes. While those who are suspected of crimes are also treated pretty poorly, through online, media, and even in real life, they at least have some credibility and options to pursue whereas those who are deemed unsound of mind, irrational, or mentally ill aren't afforded the same options and have fewer avenues of recourse. This article may be a rehash of older articles, but it focuses more on treatment of people with such labels versus those who aren't.
Just as a quick disclaimer, I have neither been arrested, interacted with the legal or medical system in that way, nor have I been placed in such situations. The information I have are from my own research online, some anecdotes from people who have in such situations IRL (even going back almost a decade ago or longer). Therefore, I am just writing this article to give my two cents as well as exposing the hypocrisy and inconsistency that society has for people in both systems. Of course, if one finds themselves in either system, they are both pretty harmful and detrimental as both as carceral and paternalistic in nature, albeit with differences.
In most situations, while an accused criminal still faces legal consequences (or at least having to defend their name and freedom through the legal system, having their character and reputation dragged through mud while attempting or in the process of clearing their name, even if later found not guilty), they are still afforded some dignity and credibility while those who are deemed insane just don't have as much a defense and just about anything they said is just another symptom, even if it is to try to disprove (unfalsifiable) claims lodged against them.
For example, when one is falsely accused of a crime (legally speaking, innocent until proven guilty), there are generally various actions of recourse an individual can take, be it through legal channels and even in some cases, social support (sympathizers and those who understand and relate to said individual) from one's peers. These could include actions done by others (social justice), civil suits for defamation, libel, and slander, and even recourse against 'false imprisonment', 'kidnapping', and more (there are laws and statutes on the books in the criminal justice system). However, in the realm and mental health, psychiatric system, there is very little of that – very few cases where a wrongly committed patient has successfully levied action against said institutions and even the bad actor (a medical professional – doctor, psychiatrist, mental health professional, etc.) themselves.). This is because of the stigma and even narrow view that most people have (oftenly misinformed and ignorant) of those who are labelled mentally ill, unsound of mind, or irrational; people who are labelled as that suddenly don't have credibility, a voice, or any (tangible) rights at least in society. Even if the falsely labelled had legitimate grievances and complaints, they are generally dismissed and ignored by most people.
While society and people are distrustful of criminals (whether accused or even convicted), it treats suicidal people even worse, not only distrustful, but also paternalistic and without any credibility. Sure, exceptions exist and various toxic communities like r/SW, r/depression, r/legaladvice, and a few (especially the latter) treat accused criminals as guilty and even gaslight, bully, or harass them. These people act in bad faith and are really just out there to witch hunt, feel morally superior and righteous while doing so, even at the cost of the victim (in the case of accused people or even people who are, in good faith looking for actual advice).
So overall, while both systems, the mental health system and criminal justice system are both carceral in nature, the mental health system and it's paternalistic, tyrannical practices are worse than that of those suspected of crimes. While those who are suspected of crimes are also treated pretty poorly, through online, media, and even in real life, they at least have some credibility and options to pursue whereas those who are deemed unsound of mind, irrational, or mentally ill aren't afforded the same options and have fewer avenues of recourse. This article may be a rehash of older articles, but it focuses more on treatment of people with such labels versus those who aren't.
