3 ms·

But then the question is why is there more mentally ill people than in other countries. I know that many homeless people come there from other states because of

But then the question is why is there more mentally ill people than in other countries. I know that many homeless people come there from other states because of the easy winters, but then i would assume something similar in europe as well. Spain has many homeless people as well, but there is fewer of them.

Gareth321 3y ago
There are the same number of mentally unwell people. Mental illness typically follows normal distributions sans PTSD in war torn countries. The difference is the approach. Most European countries use a carrot and stick approach. There are no laws guaranteeing the homeless the right to live on the sidewalk, as there is in California. They can be fined or arrested here in Denmark for doing that. Ditto for begging. So they don’t congregate in large numbers in cities and there are no tents. Further, drug possession and distribution is prosecuted. The penalties are scary enough for the hard drugs to discourage broad use. That’s the stick. The carrot is a generous welfare system which isn’t afraid of invasive intervention. Those deemed a danger to others or themselves can be detained for treatment. Involuntary commitment has virtually disappeared in many US states. Mental health treatment is also free, so there isn’t a barrier to access (though lately it has become harder to access treatment which isn’t considered acute).
- martin8412 3y ago
  Eh, the ban on begging in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries is so they can throw out the professional beggars. Often called anti-Roma laws since they're one of the main perpetrators of this type of organized begging.
  - Gareth321 3y ago
    That’s clearly part of the problem in both Denmark and California. However it seems to have solved almost all visible homelessness, including homelessness related to mental health.

3 ms·

But then the question is why is there more mentally ill people than in other countries. I know that many homeless people come there from other states because of

by Cupprum 3y ago

Gareth321 3y ago
There are the same number of mentally unwell people. Mental illness typically follows normal distributions sans PTSD in war torn countries. The difference is the approach. Most European countries use a carrot and stick approach. There are no laws guaranteeing the homeless the right to live on the sidewalk, as there is in California. They can be fined or arrested here in Denmark for doing that. Ditto for begging. So they don’t congregate in large numbers in cities and there are no tents. Further, drug possession and distribution is prosecuted. The penalties are scary enough for the hard drugs to discourage broad use. That’s the stick. The carrot is a generous welfare system which isn’t afraid of invasive intervention. Those deemed a danger to others or themselves can be detained for treatment. Involuntary commitment has virtually disappeared in many US states. Mental health treatment is also free, so there isn’t a barrier to access (though lately it has become harder to access treatment which isn’t considered acute).
- martin8412 3y ago
  Eh, the ban on begging in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries is so they can throw out the professional beggars. Often called anti-Roma laws since they're one of the main perpetrators of this type of organized begging.
  - Gareth321 3y ago
    That’s clearly part of the problem in both Denmark and California. However it seems to have solved almost all visible homelessness, including homelessness related to mental health.