Letters

I’d like to offer one explanation for the choice of many people to refuse COVID vaccinations. My opinion is based over 40 years’ experience as a mental health care practitioner, practicing psychotherapist and psychologist.

Simply put, many, many anti-vaxxers suffer from mental illness.

There are many examples of how mental illness affects beliefs and behavior. Those with narcissistic personality disorders believe they are infallible and hate that anyone is telling them what to do. They will irrationally and intensely rage against restrictions.

Those with borderline personality disorder are severely impaired in their ability to empathize. They lack the ability to feel part of a community/relationship as they can only be concerned with their own needs.

Many people function in their lives with mental illness yet harbor beliefs that are highly irrational and idiosyncratic. Their beliefs are based on childhood trauma or dysfunctional coping mechanisms. They cannot be reasonable adults, because they are afraid, angry or feel inadequate, and their choices are dominated by those feelings.

I could go on, but here is the point after all: People who suffer with mental illness hurt others. They make decisions that are selfish and are wrong for the common good, not to mention frequently wrong for themselves. They are unmotivated to change, because that is far too threatening for them.

Such individuals will only decide to get vaccinated if they are required to do so or if their daily life becomes too interrupted or unwieldy. That is why many people who are threatened with losing employment get vaccinated.

Mental illness is responsible for much of the pain, tragedy and harm in this world. I advise that we all get acquainted with its effects, and maybe we would be more motivated to support funding to treat its root causes and provide help to those who suffer. It is a pragmatic choice to treat mental illness, not just a humanitarian one.

Paula Angelone, Ph.D.

Southampton Village