Ideologies on Mental Illness

Mental health problems are treated differently in specific situations and for the purpose of this discussion, I will be addressing the increasing rate of self-harm in prisons and the different views expressed by Conservative, Liberal and NDP members of parliament (MPs). Self-harm is purposely inflicting damage to skin, which is non-fatal without attempting suicide (Gratz, 2003). “Individuals at risk for self-harm often report experiencing chronic emptiness, alienation, and isolation in combination with intense, overwhelming negative emotions” (Gratz, 2003, p.192). After reading the article ‘Prisoner self-harm rate rising’, I found it interesting to learn about the different perspectives from each of the political parties. In the article, Hume (2012), talks about the three political parties and their thoughts on this controversial topic.

Hume (2012), says that the conservative MP regards rehabilitation as a key part in the process of dealing with mental health, however a prison's purpose is not focused on that but rather is a place that is not supposed to welcoming. I feel that the conservative MP is on the right track with this idea because if rehabilitation was a stronger part of the prison system and focused more on getting the prisoner well again rather than looking at making it as negative experience so that the offender would less likely to offend again, then I think that rates of self-harm would most likely be on the decrease rather than rising. If some of the issues were being looked into further and dealt with by health care and counseling professionals, then prisoners would get the help they need.

            The Liberal MP expressed concerns for the rise of self-harm and that it is more to do with the government and their required minimum sentences (Hume, 2012). This may be the cause but if a crime is committed then I believe that they should be responsible for their actions. However, I believe that with proper mental health services, the prisoner may not self-harm because of the services, counselors or medications available to the inmates. 

Lastly, the NDP MP talks about how “the Conservatives’ tough on crime agenda is compromising public safety” (Hume, 2012, para. 10).  Personally, I don’t think the issue regarding self-harm was really of concern in this statement. The public’s safety is being assured if people who committed crimes are being put behind bars. The purpose of this article wasn’t to say don’t put people who have broken the law and have mental health issues in jail but rather look at the increase in self-harm and why there is the increase.

In conclusion self-harm can include a large range of non-fatal behaviours that is demonstrated by an individual. All three of the MP’s have different perspectives on the topic of increased self-harm in prisoners. For me personally I think the health and well-being of the prisoner should be a concern and deserves the right treatment regardless of being in jail. I do believe that they should be held responsible and do the time for the crime committed but also are entitled to receive treatment for their mental health issue as well.

Kristen



References

Gratz, K. (2003, June). Risk factors for and functions of deliberate self-harm: An empirical and conceptual review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10 (2), 192-205.

Hume, J. (2012, October 23). Prisoner self-harm rate rising. The Toronto Sun. Retrieved from http://www.torontosun.com/2012/10/23/prisoner-self-harm-rate-rising.

Picture retrieved from http://thelegacybuilder.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/the-prison-of-our-past/