MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — It has been a day since Travis Reinking was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing four people: DeEbony Groves, Akilah DaSilva, Joe Perez, Jr. and Taurean Sanderlin.
During the Waffle House murder trial, Reinking’s mental illness was on full display.
The American Psychiatric Association says nearly one in five American adults experience some form of mental illness. But experts say it may be treatable.
“Recovery with mental health is not only possible, it’s likely. I’m the standard,” said Amy Sulam-Gibbs.
Sulam-Gibbs is not only treating her mental health diagnosis, she has been working in a behavioral health setting for 10 years.
“The fact that someone has a mental health diagnosis does not in any way mean that they are prone to violence. In fact, that is the exception to the rule. Most people who have a mental health diagnosis are like me They are in treatment and they are being successful and giving back to the community,” Sulam-Gibbs said.
Like many, he heard that Reinking had a serious mental health problem at the time of the Waffle House mass shooting in 2018.
“It bothers me because I see someone who is very sick and someone who could have lived a fantastic life as a productive member of society if families took him seriously,” he said.
Sulam-Gibbs encourages parents or anyone with a loved one who may be experiencing a mental health issue to contact a doctor.
“Even if they ignore you, say that these behaviors make me feel uncomfortable as a parent and that I would like to be referred to a professional who can diagnose, treat or evaluate them and see what might be going on.” she said.
She says to also make sure your relative or friend knows you have your support.
“Schedule that appointment, help them out, hold their hand, say we’re going to navigate this together because something isn’t right with you, and I want your quality of life to be as amazing as possible,” she said.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call the state crisis line at any time. The number is 855-CRISIS-1 or 855-274-7471.
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