The Mental Health Crisis

I read an announcement this morning and associated media release about a NYS senator supporting introduced legislation to help recruit more mental health professionals to state counties that lack them. Which is most of NY state and nearly all rural counties.

One of her comments reflects public attitudes and policy regarding mental heath in this country (let alone the state). And it "stoked my fire" enough to type and send her an email (see below). 

Writing the email was easy. What's less easy is posting it here with my identification added to it. It's like stepping out on a public street naked with a sign, "See us, help us," where the typical reaction is that most other people will turn away or pretend they didn't see. That is the stigma all with mental health issues carry. 

Mental health issues don't mean we are damaged or broken. For some, we are just different; some of us have managed to cope. For others, they live every day in a nightmare. Most of us also remain hidden and invisible; by our own choice, because we are ignored, or we can't get help. It's not just an individual's problem, or New York's problem, it is the entire country. 

We really are more alike than we are different. But the stigma pushes us away, and, in some cases, kills us. This country's perceptions and public policy has, in a minute quality and quantity, changed for the better. But not enough. And the population of the troubled have grown. Just as centuries ago, only the privileged have ensured access to help and care.

This needs to change. It is starts with each and every person.
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Contents of my email:

"I read the announcement and media release about the effort to increase mental health professionals in New York state counties that need it. Which, judging from the map in the media, is 73% of all NY state counties. Most of the latter are rural.

Offering student loan forgiveness for MH “professionals” is a pittance to the epidemic of mental health issues in this state (and country). The offer appeals more to recent graduates than the experienced exerts and professionals that are sorely needed.

The comment in the media piece demonstrates the attitude of people in our society that others with mental health issues are only “an enormous burden on our society and economy as a whole, imposing millions of dollars in direct and indirect costs." Very little consideration of the personal pain of the afflicted, their families, and their loved ones. We are whitewashed, as we have been for centuries.

Increasing professionals will not lessen or solve the MH epidemic. Most of the afflicted cannot afford professional help, even with most insurances. And many do not have any insurance. This is why a high number of people with MH issues die (overdose or suicide) or end up incarcerated. This results from lack of support and help. Isn’t it ironic that the only time the public notices is when they are in jail or in obituaries?

A large % of people and families live paycheck to paycheck. They can’t afford professional help because they struggle to feed themselves, pay their rents, and make it to their jobs. They also fear the “system”, scared that their children will be taken from them, that they will lose input or control over their own lives, and, most of all , they fear the stigma. Which, as your comment demonstrates and perpetuates, is very real and alive.

Mental health acknowledges no social and economic boundaries. Society sets the boundaries. And the privileged can afford professional help and services. Especially in the cities, as the map demonstrates. Rural people are left to flounder through the nightmares in which they live.

Do better. Help bring the mental health crisis to the forefront of the ongoing overall health crisis. Help them by reducing the stigmas and fear. Help them by making MH care more accessible and affordable. Help the public understand that 1 in 5 people in this country experience MH issues. And that number may actually be higher because many people hide it or are undiagnosed. They are the invisible people that silently cry out for help.

I’m on the autistic spectrum, diagnosed late in life. Most of my life has been living in a “different world” that no one else knew or saw. I know others in worse situations that live moment to moment wondering how they will cope and make it to the next day. I see undiagnosed children with less awareness of their problems, and, most of all, their futures. Some may not have a future.

We are the 'I have no mouth and I must scream.' "