Mental health is reshaping our understanding of security threats!
Did you know that as of 2019, 301 million people worldwide have been documented as suffering from mental health disorders? In the United States alone, a staggering 42.5 million individuals grapple with various forms of anxiety disorders. These statistics don't even factor in any increases that might have occurred due to the recent global pandemic.
We're witnessing a profound shift in the landscape of security threats, and a significant part of this shift can be attributed to the inadequate medical treatment of mental health disorders and a lack of comprehension regarding their underlying causes. Consequently, there has been a marked rise in incidents perpetrated by individuals struggling with mental health issues, many of which could have been prevented.
Mental health disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, affecting millions across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in four people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. While these conditions have profound implications for individuals and their families, they also have the potential to impact security incidents on a larger scale.
Mental health disorders can manifest in unpredictable behavior, which poses significant security challenges. People with untreated conditions may exhibit impulsive or irrational behavior, potentially putting themselves and those around them in danger. This unpredictability also makes it challenging for security agencies to anticipate and prevent such incidents.
One troubling aspect of the link between mental health disorders and security incidents is the susceptibility of individuals with untreated mental health issues to radicalization. Vulnerable individuals might be drawn toward extremist ideologies and activities as a way of seeking belonging and purpose. What's worse are the numerous political groups that exploit these individuals for their own personal gain and perpetuate stigma and disbelief surrounding mental health disorders.
Before you rush to confirm your own biases by mentally categorizing extremists based on your religious or political beliefs, it's crucial to understand that mental health disorders can push individuals toward various forms of extremism. Mental health issues do not discriminate and can lead both left-leaning individuals toward militant right-wing ideologies and conservatives toward environmental extremism.
Extremist groups are also notorious for recruiting individuals with mental health disorders. These groups are extreme for a reason, and often their views, though extreme, are presented as logical. It is easier to influence individuals who are already grappling with reality or have experienced trauma that distorts their ability to view groups of people without bias.
The perception of impending catastrophe is a common thread among many threat actors. Our constant exposure to terabytes of data may not only be pushing those already grappling with mental disorders to the edge but also contributing to the increasing global anxiety we observe.
In our information-saturated world, we often find ourselves bombarded with negative news, exacerbated by algorithms assuming we want more of the same. The question we should all ponder is whether we are meant to be aware of every crisis worldwide, all the time. Perhaps not.
In addition to our access to doom-laden news feeds, we've also witnessed a rise in substance abuse. Many individuals with mental health disorders turn to substance abuse as a means of self-medication and coping. This can lead to involvement in criminal activities such as theft or drug trafficking, which in turn can have wider security implications for communities. The combination of untreated mental disorders and unregulated substance abuse compounds the threat of incidents, especially when there is a lack of medical supervision.
To address the security implications stemming from the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, a multi-pronged prevention approach is essential.
The first step is encouraging individuals to seek help for their mental health issues. Don’t assume to know what a person is dealing with no matter how extreme an indidual may appear to be. They may just need someone to reach out and offer help. Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and improving access to mental health services can play a crucial role in preventing these conditions from escalating into security incidents. Identifying at-risk individuals and providing early intervention and treatment can also help mitigate potential security risks associated with mental health disorders.
Organizations should educate their employees about the potential risks of insider threats and stress the importance of reporting concerning behavior. Almost all violent incidents are preceded by cues that are easily recognized. You just have to know what to look for and be willing to speak up. This proactive approach can help identify and address security issues before they escalate.
Communities, too, play a critical role in identifying and supporting individuals who may be at risk. Establishing strong community networks and support systems can help prevent radicalization and criminal activity. While there are numerous free and paid resources available, people often struggle to find or access them. Part of the solution must involve actively seeking out those who require medical attention, as often, those in need may not even realize it themselves.
The link between mental health disorders and security incidents is an increasingly pressing concern in our interconnected world. Recognizing this link and taking proactive steps to address it is vital for the well-being of individuals, as well as the security of communities and nations. By promoting mental health awareness, providing early intervention, and fostering a sense of community, we can collectively strive for a safer and more resilient world.
If you know of anyone that needs support, here are a few resources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
https://www.childhelphotline.org/
https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx