Crime and mental health

Jay F. Marks, Staff Writer

Published: May 25, 2008

Many people with undiagnosed mental health problems turn to illicit drugs to help themselves feel better, an Oklahoma County prosecutor said.

Ed Blau sees it every day, as the primary prosecutor for Oklahoma County’s mental health court.

The program helps people who have run afoul of the law get a handle on their mental health problems, but Blau said they don’t have to end up there.

He said there are warning signs people can watch for in their loved ones so they get help before they get in trouble.

Things like paranoia, mood swings, anxiety and manic behavior can be indicators of mental illness, Blau said, but the signs are not always that obvious.

He urged people to seek help if they suspect a loved one has a mental health problem. The Oklahoma City Police Department keeps an eye out for people with mental illnesses as well. Its Crisis Intervention Team includes 100 officers who are specially trained to spot three major mental health problems: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression.

Master Sgt. Keith Simonds said officers can get help for people with those disorders. Some offenders can be placed in protective custody and taken somewhere for treatment, he said, while others can be steered into mental health court.

Once people with a mental illness end up in mental health court, Blau said, they meet weekly with a team — headed by Special Judge Glenn Jones — determined to help them lead stable, productive lives within their abilities.

The program lasts at least a year, but most people average 18 months in mental health court.

“The people that make it through, they’ve earned it,” Blau said.

Jay F. Marks: 475-3481, jmarks@oklahoman.com