Jeffrey Dahmer’s mother, Joyce, struggled with mental illness while raising her son and never recovered from the guilt that overtook her once his crimes were discovered.
I’m afraid I can’t eat any more, Jeffrey Dahmer tells his mother.
I’m sorry to hear that, Joyce responds sadly.
So many people like your cooking and it’s good to see you enjoying a nice meal for once in awhile.
The guilt over what my son has done is too much for me sometimes and when I have these moments of clarity, it makes me feel sad.”
Joyce is an example of someone who, despite her best efforts, could not stop the course of her son’s mental illness and crimes. There will always be those who are close to people with mental illness who can’t prevent the child from committing a crime.
