Dr. Roach: How mental illness, homelessness and crime intersect

Dear Dr. Roach: I've seen a number of stories lately about people who've been arrested for behavior that doesn't seem to be criminal, but the behavior is odd. Some of these people are homeless, and I wonder if they are mentally ill and aren't taking prescribed medication. — P.L.P.

Dr. Roach: How mental illness, homelessness and crime intersect. Dear Dr. Roach: I've seen a number of stories lately about people who've been arrested for behavior that doesn't seem to be criminal, but the behavior is odd. Some of these people are homeless, and I wonder if they are mentally ill and aren't taking prescribed medication. — P.L.P. Dear P.L.P.: Mental illness often leads to behaviors that definitely seem odd. Behaviors like hoarding, which can be found by itself or with several different mental illnesses, often affect the individual but sometimes lead to risks for others who live with them. These behaviors can lead to interactions with police that would be considered a "public nuisance." Mental health remains stigmatized, and there are often inadequate resources to help people with mental illnesses. This leads to a situation...