How to Avoid Becoming a Deranged Serial Killer Like Jeffrey Dahmer, According to Netflix's Monster

Ever since the first season of Making A Murderer debuted on Netflix in 2015, audiences have been hooked on true crime stories and court room dramas. Whether it’s about the murder of JonBenét Ramsey or Amanda Knox’s trial for the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher, people love hearing about some of the craziest things that have ever happened to real people and how they were caught in the aftermath. Netflix recently released another gripping true crime story, this time following the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer during his time at Ohio State University.

Have Empathy

We all know empathy is important when it comes to being likable and getting along with others. Unfortunately, it's not always easy—our emotions can sometimes cloud our judgment. But as author Simon Baron-Cohen once said You only have one heart. 

You can't share it without breaking it in two. And that couldn't be more true when you're trying to empathize with someone else—you just can't force yourself feel something you don't. So instead of trying so hard to feel what they do or understand why they feel how they do, consider what feelings these situations might trigger in you if they were happening to you instead? How would your reaction differ? What are some things you could do to help them through their situation? In short, ask yourself: What would I want someone to do for me? 

This will give you insight into their emotional state and allow you to relate on an empathetic level. The next time you see a person struggling, try to remember that no matter how different we may seem from each other on the surface, we all experience pain and struggle in similar ways. We all need compassion. Treat Everyone With Respect: Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—even those who don't necessarily deserve it (we're looking at you, Mr. Hitler). It doesn't matter where someone came from or what he has done; every person is entitled to his own personal rights.

Keep an Open Mind

Watching documentaries like Netflix’s Monster (formerly known as A Journey Into Madness) can be an eye-opening experience for people who have never been diagnosed with a mental illness. The series offers many lessons on mental health; one of them is recognizing that those with mental illnesses are often not able to seek help from medical professionals. This is especially true of people with psychotic disorders. People suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are sometimes afraid to admit they need help because they fear being locked away in a psych ward—which could very well happen if their families don’t know how to handle their symptoms. 

So, if you know someone who seems paranoid or delusional and you suspect he or she may need professional care, encourage him or her to visit his doctor. If he refuses and becomes violent or dangerous, call 911 immediately. Don't try to handle it yourself! In fact, family members of mentally ill individuals should also consult a doctor or therapist about getting proper care themselves. 

Their loved ones depend on them, after all. To learn more about mentally ill patients: To gain some perspective into what goes through your head when you feel crazy and to get some tips on what your loved ones can do to support you during such times, check out psychiatrist Elyn Saks' Ted Talk , A schizophrenic mind. Also watch Voices of Schizophrenia , which features several interviews with real people living with schizophrenia—and includes scenes from Monster . Both are available via Netflix streaming. They'll give you insight into what it's really like living with a mental illness.

Know the Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Yourself and Others

If someone close to you experiences symptoms of mental illness—or if you do—it’s important that you understand what is happening. From depression and anxiety disorders to schizophrenia and beyond, it’s possible for anyone to experience some form of mental illness. If you find yourself becoming increasingly irritated with your loved one or noticing unusual behavior patterns that seem out of character for them, speak up about your concerns before things escalate out of control. As difficult as it may be, having an open dialogue is key in preventing future problems from developing. For example, providing effective treatment when someone experiences a psychotic episode can prevent them from developing into full-blown schizophrenia later on. 

Mental illness is a disease just like any other, and it should be treated accordingly. If you notice changes in your own behavior or those around you, talk to your doctor right away so they can help diagnose any potential issues. You have nothing to lose but time—and who knows? You might end up saving yourself (or someone else) years down the road. In addition to being proactive about mental health, you should also learn how to spot red flags in others. Take people at face value and remember that actions speak louder than words. An individual could appear calm and collected all day long, yet harbor underlying feelings of rage toward others that only come out once they’re alone with their thoughts. It may be hard to believe sometimes, but even good people are capable of doing horrible things under certain circumstances; it’s our job as humans to take note of these behaviors before they get worse over time. One way we can learn more about ourselves is by taking a closer look at our daily routines—what we eat, how much exercise we get every week, etc.—to identify anything that may need improvement.

Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help

One of Monster’s most poignant messages is that there’s nothing wrong with admitting you need help. In fact, it’s one of our most important lessons for keeping ourselves—and other people—safe and mentally healthy. Often, we see something troubling in a friend or loved one—yet we avoid talking about it because we think it’s not my place. 

But mental illness doesn’t work like that. If you notice someone who may be struggling with their mental health, there are ways to check in without being awkward or intrusive; what matters most is your concern and care for them. So if you ever have concerns about a friend, family member, colleague or neighbor—or yourself—remember: Mental illness is treatable. 

There are many resources available to help those who need support. And as Monster shows us time and time again, getting treatment can literally save lives. So don't be afraid to reach out when you're concerned about someone else or yourself—it could make all the difference in helping keep everyone safe and healthy!

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Mental illness is real. The stigma surrounding it isn’t. Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn't there. By openly talking about your mental health—both positive and negative—you can not only combat stigma, but you may also find strength in community: Millions of Americans face similar struggles as you do every day. For example, if you have depression or anxiety, chances are that someone close to you does too. 

And many people who suffer from these conditions are able to live full lives with proper treatment and support from loved ones. If you're struggling with any kind of mental illness, seek help immediately by reaching out to a friend or family member for support or by calling one of many hotlines (like 1-800-273-TALK). You don't have to deal with it alone.