Mental Illness Considered a Factor in Vanderburgh County Man's Death
By: Chris Veech
Updated: December 5, 2012
Since Tuesday's deputy-involved shooting, many of the suspect's neighbors have mentioned he had a history of mental illness. Neighbors describe 55-year-old Lindal Johnson as being relatively normal, when he was on his medication. Those who knew Johnson say his erratic behavior over the days leading up to the shooting was a sign he wasn't taking his medication.
Dr. Mark Boling from Deaconess Crosspoint says this particular case proves how important medication and support are.
"Not only do you have the difficulties when there's no support system to encourage the person to apply to their treatment recommendations," said Dr. Boling, "but you also have the nature of mental illness that impairs their judgement and their decisions. So, they made decide they don't need the medication."
In addition to medication, Dr. Boling says a support system of friends and family can help prevent a situation like this from happening again.
