From what I’ve read, the shooter has a history of serious and persistent mental illness. Therefore he is likely psychotic at this time and believes he is carrying out some kind of mission.

If he survives this, which seems unlikely, and if the psychosis clears, he will have to live with what he’s done. For those who have committed horrific acts while psychotic, treating the mental illness is worse than living with the psychosis. Can you imagine waking up one day to find you have committed unspeakable acts?

We MUST find answers to PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other major mental illnesses. We MUST ensure all children grow up in safe, healthy homes and environments. We MUST reform our mental health system.

I grieve for everyone who has been impacted by this and similar situations. I grieve for the perpetrators who are living indescribable hells, as I grieve for those who die by suicide because of demons they cannot control.

Categories: Death & Dying, Grief, mental illness

Tags: Heritage Health Services, Lewiston, mass killing, mental illness, psychosis, PTSD, schizophrenia, tragedy