What if your cry for help led to an unthinkable tragedy? [Rebroadcast #173]
Digest
This podcast episode recounts the heartbreaking story of Miles Hall, a young man who struggled with schizoaffective disorder and tragically lost his life at the hands of police. The episode follows Ton Hall, Miles' mother, as she navigates the complexities of the mental health system, seeking help for her son during his mental health crisis. The episode highlights the challenges Ton Hall faced in getting Miles the help he needed, including the limitations of the mental health system, which often requires individuals to be a danger to themselves or others to qualify for involuntary hospitalization. It also explores the systemic issue of criminalizing individuals with mental health challenges, even when they are not posing a real threat. The episode culminates in Miles' death at the hands of police, a tragic outcome that underscores the need for systemic change in the way mental health emergencies are handled. Ton Hall's story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of a lack of resources and the importance of advocating for a 24/7 non-police response to mental health crises.
Outlines
Content Warning and Introduction
This podcast episode features real experiences, often including traumatic events. Listeners are advised to consult the show notes for specific content warnings and support services.
Summer Rebroadcast Series
This episode is part of a six-week summer rebroadcast series, featuring previously aired episodes. New episodes will resume on September 10th.
Miles Hall's Story: A Mother's Struggle for Help
This episode tells the story of a mother's struggle to get help for her son, Miles, who was experiencing mental health challenges. The episode explores the challenges of navigating the mental health system and the tragic consequences of a lack of resources.
Miles Hall's Story: Growing Up and Finding Identity
Ton Hall shares her personal story of growing up as a mixed-race woman and finding her identity. She discusses the challenges of being judged for her race and the importance of connecting with both sides of her family.
Miles Hall's Story: Family Life and Early Signs of Mental Health Struggles
Ton Hall describes meeting her husband, Scott, and starting a family at a young age. She shares the joys and challenges of raising her children, Miles and Alexis, and the early signs of Miles' mental health struggles.
Miles' Mental Health Deterioration and the Search for Help
Ton Hall details Miles' mental health deterioration, including his belief that he was Jesus. She describes her efforts to get him help, navigating the limitations of the mental health system and the lack of resources for individuals who don't meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization.
Keywords
Schizoaffective Disorder
A mental health disorder characterized by a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania.
5150
A California law that allows for the involuntary hospitalization of individuals who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness.
Implicit Bias
Unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that can influence our perceptions and behaviors, often leading to discrimination against certain groups.
Non-Police Response
A community-based approach to responding to mental health crises that involves trained mental health professionals instead of law enforcement.
Mental Health Crisis
A situation in which an individual's mental health is significantly impaired, leading to a loss of control and potentially dangerous behavior.
Police Violence
The use of excessive force by law enforcement officers, often resulting in injury or death, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
Systemic Change
Transformative changes to the underlying structures and processes of a system, such as the criminal justice system, to address systemic inequalities and injustices.
Q&A
What were the challenges Ton Hall faced in trying to get her son, Miles, help for his mental health issues?
Ton Hall faced numerous challenges, including the limitations of the mental health system, which required Miles to be a danger to himself or others to qualify for involuntary hospitalization. She also encountered resistance from Miles himself, who didn't believe he was sick.
How did Miles' mental health challenges lead to his criminalization?
Miles was charged with resisting arrest and assault with a deadly weapon, even though the knife was used as a tool to get him help. This highlights the systemic issue of criminalizing individuals with mental health challenges, even when they are not posing a real threat.
What is the Miles Hall Foundation and what are its goals?
The Miles Hall Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing police violence against people with mental illness. Its goals include advocating for a 24/7 non-police response to mental health crises and promoting systemic change in the way mental health emergencies are handled.
How has Ton Hall's life been impacted by Miles' death?
Ton Hall has experienced immense grief and trauma, including PTSD. She has become distrustful of people and institutions, and her life work is now dedicated to honoring Miles' memory and fighting for justice.
What are some of the systemic issues that contribute to police violence against people with mental illness?
Systemic issues include a lack of adequate mental health training for police officers, the over-reliance on law enforcement to respond to mental health crises, and the criminalization of individuals with mental illness.
What are some of the steps that can be taken to prevent future tragedies like Miles' death?
Steps include investing in community-based mental health services, providing comprehensive mental health training for police officers, and creating a 24/7 non-police response system for mental health emergencies.
Show Notes
A mother faces the ultimate tragedy at the hands of those who are supposed to protect and serve.
Today’s episode featured Taun Hall. To find out more about Taun and Miles and the Miles Hall Foundation, go to justiceformileshall.org. There you can see the video mentioned in the episode, donate to the campaign, learn more about the case or get involved. You can also join the community on Instagram @justiceformileshall or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/justiceformileshall
Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits
Social Media:
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Twitter: @TIAHPodcast
Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, racism, violence, murder, police brutality, explicit language
Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com
Andrew Waits: http://andrdewwaits.com/
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Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper
Music Bed: “Re-Entry” – Lee Rosevere
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741
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seem like being white was convenient to her when she needed it
I'm listening from the beginning of a couple minutes in seems like that girl f***** her mother over and I bet she's divorced by now because she made a black man and all black men cheat
Nothing facilitates the progression of mental illness more than religion. It poisons everything it touches.