A Measure of a Compassionate Society

When the world saw the images from the DVD sent to NBC by Cho Seung-Hu, the natural reaction would have been of shock and revulsion. The killings were appalling and seemingly impossible to explain, so to see a video of this young man attempting to justify his actions prior to executing them was a very difficult concept for the general public to comprehend. The reality was, however, that he was an ill young man, suffering from a psychotic condition, and consequently was in need of acute psychiatric care.

The decision to broadcast the video and selected images was controversial. However, much as it would have been ideal not to have shown the footage, the sad reality is that in today’s interconnected world, the images would have made their way into cyperspace at some point in the near future. Humanity has a strong craving for knowledge, particularly that of macabre events. Where the media did have a responsibility though, was to show these images in context. For example, a psychiatrist should have been interviewed by the BBC during the Newsnight programme on the day the images were released. No such interview was undertaken. Cho Seung-Hu was clearly unwell. The viewing public should have been made aware of that fact.

My concern, however, is not about the decision to air the video. It is more about the ‘care’ this mass murderer received (or maybe not), and more importantly, the care and protection someone like him would have received in this country. Mental health has long been regarded as a “Cinderella” speciality in the UK, as dealing with waiting times and lists has always been politically more important. Consequently, funds have not been very forthcoming. Ask any GP about their local acute mental health service and you will more often elicit a look of despair. Most services now operate ‘Crisis’ teams staffed solely by nurses. When I try to refer a psychiatric patient in acutely, I now no longer speak to a qualified psychiatrist. Reason: cost.

The way in which the mentally ill are treated is a measure of any society. When I saw the image above, I did not just see the face of a killer, I saw the face of a young man who needed help and treatment. I have no doubt that British psychiatrists endeavour to offer the best service possible. There are limits to their efforts, though. I do not believe that the standard of treatment of mental illness in this country befits a caring and decent society. The government urgently needs to make psychiatric care a priority. Not just for the sake of the psychiatrically unwell, but also for the good of communities up and down this country.