When violent incidents make the news, especially ones involving mental illness, it’s easy to feel uneasy — or even afraid. But while these headlines grab attention, they rarely tell the whole story.
At our practice, we believe in promoting truth over stigma, and that starts with understanding the real relationship between mental illness and violence.
💡 The Truth: Most People with Mental Illness Are Not Violent
Let’s be clear: the vast majority of individuals living with mental illness are not violent. In fact, research shows that people with mental health conditions are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
Mental illness alone does not cause violent behavior. That’s a common myth — and one that’s been unfairly reinforced by movies, TV, and news stories that focus on the rare exceptions instead of the everyday reality.
🧠 What Does Increase Risk?
While mental illness by itself isn’t a strong predictor of violence, certain factors can raise the risk in very specific situations:
Substance use or addiction
Untreated severe symptoms, such as paranoid delusions or hallucinations
A history of violence
High levels of stress, trauma, or instability in someone’s environment
Even then, the risk is still relatively low, especially when someone is receiving proper care.
📊 What the Research Actually Says
Only about 3–5% of violent crimes are linked to serious mental illness.
People with mental illness are actually 10 times more likely to be victims of violence than the general public.
When people with mental illness receive effective treatment and support, their risk of violence becomes no greater than anyone else’s.
🚫 Stigma Hurts Everyone
Unfortunately, stigma around mental illness can lead to fear, shame, and silence — all of which make it harder for people to reach out for help. That’s one reason why it’s so important to separate fact from fear.
By learning the truth, we can replace harmful myths with understanding, compassion, and action.
Certainly! Here's the updated ending of the blog post, now including helpful information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
🧡 If You or a Loved One Needs Support…
Whether you’re navigating a mental health condition yourself or concerned about someone else, know that help is available. Treatment works, and recovery is possible.
If you have questions or want to talk to someone, our team of compassionate clinicians is here to listen and support you.
Let’s end the stigma — together.
📞 Need Immediate Help? Call or Text 988
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, experiencing a mental health crisis, or thinking about suicide, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7.
Call or text: 988
Chat online: 988lifeline.org
Free, confidential support in English and Spanish
For anyone — whether you’re in crisis yourself or worried about someone else
You’re not alone. Help is always just a phone call or text away.