Note from the editor: CrossCurrents Summer 2004

Rarely a day goes by that we are not in contact with one form of violence or another, whether it be through the media, those around us or our own experiences. Squalid crimes that seem inexplicable, family dramas, bullying, sexual or verbal assault and aggression seem to be a part of daily life. Regardless of whether society in general is becoming more violent, one thing remains unchanged - the belief that people with mental illness are violent. But while mental health advocates argue that people with mental illness are no more likely to be violent than others, there has been growing uncertainty among caregivers, health care providers and advocacy groups about the exact nature of the relationship, created, on the one hand, by sensational media accounts and television dramas, and on the other, by conflicting research findings. The issue has important consequences for people with mental health problems and their families, as well as for health care and social service providers, policy makers and the criminal justice system.

This issue of CrossCurrents examines violence and aggression, not only as encountered in the mental health and addiction fields, but at the broader societal level. Astrid Van Den Broek discusses workplace bullying and its toll on employee health and productivity. Nate Hendley presents research about the potential link between road rage and psychiatric distress. Abigail Pugh addresses the health care professional's perspective, discussing the support needs of health workers in the community who work in isolation, often in unfamiliar communities and clients' homes. Helen Buttery's story offers a refreshing perspective on rap music, a genre that is popularly linked to violence. She describes how it can be used by therapists to connect with youth. Finally, in the Last Word column, Robin Harvey discusses how the Canadian news media continue to perpetuate the myth of the violent mentally ill person.

Enjoy the summer. And enjoy this issue of CrossCurrents. Send us your comments, suggestions and ideas, so that we can continue providing you with coverage of the issues that matter to you.

Hema Zbogar
Telephone 416.595.6714

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