Stop Calling Violence a Mental Health Problem

When someone commits an unthinkable act, why does “mental health” so often become part of the explanation?

We have become much better at talking about trauma, diagnosis, psychiatric illness, and emotional suffering. But somewhere along the way, those conversations may also have changed the way we talk about violence.

This original longform editorial takes a closer look at that overlap, where psychology, criminal law, media framing, and personal responsibility start colliding in ways that are far less simple than they first appear.

What happens when diagnosis begins to sound like motive? When explanation starts drifting toward excuse? And when the language meant to reduce stigma may actually reinforce a different kind of stereotype?

Research-driven, legally informed, and deliberately uncomfortable, Stop Calling Violence a Mental Health Problem asks whether we have become too quick to medicalize behavior we still do not fully understand.

Some explanations clarify.

Others just make us feel better.

Digital download. Instant access.

Part of the Tantrum Media Magazine longform editorial series and our Legal Collection.