Current Situation of Mental Health Care in the Country
In recent years, mental health care in the country rises to the top as one of the most important concerns that need to be managed and articulated well. Before, discussing mental health problems was considered taboo. People feel and think that opening up about it causes inconvenience and alarm.
Mental health problems are quite common in the country. Based on the statistics reported by the National Institute of Mental Health, 52.9 million or 1 in every 5 adults is diagnosed with a mental health problem at one point in their lives.
Challenges of Mental Health Care
More and more groups and organizations show commitment and support to promoting and disseminating the importance of mental health care in the country. It is not just about helping out those who have struggled with mental health problems but it is also about further raising awareness and knowledge about the issue.
A large number of people believe that mental health should be a prominent feature in the health care system. However, there are still several challenges that mental health care in the country faces today.
Mental Health Professionals
There are not enough medical professionals who focus on mental health care. This is an ongoing problem in the health industry. Some rural areas have very few to zero mental health care providers. Those who have access to treatment have to wait even for months just to get an appointment. In turn, others have to live through their condition without any idea what it is and how to get better.
Online or virtual therapy near me sessions have been the norm these days to prevent long queues in clinics. But it still requires a stable internet connection to which a lot have no access. Some patients feel uncomfortable discussing their problems when they are not in a safe environment so they limit their words.
Cost
Seeking mental health care in the country is expensive, even with insurance or financial assistance. Payments quickly balloon for those who are in dire need of regular therapy, medications or intensive treatment programs. It is no wonder that 27 million adults in the country do not get any form of treatment or medication.
On the other hand, once diagnosed with a mental health condition, there is no assurance that you will get better right away after one therapy near me session or a month of medication. It requires constant check-ups and demands unwavering effort on your end.
Stigma
There is still a stigma surrounding mental health problems. People who are suffering from a mental health issue are hesitant and embarrassed to talk about it even with their closest friends and family members. Victims of abuse and violence are scared to be ridiculed and judged the moment they speak of their unpleasant experiences.
There is fear that once people learn that you are diagnosed with mental health problems they will avoid you or treat you differently. Even you, yourself, have a hard time admitting and acknowledging at first that you have a condition.
Support
It is not solely about support from the government or the health care industry. Since it is still a restricted topic, many are finding their way in to get help and support. With the scarcity of mental health care providers and peer support groups, you tend to feel excluded from the rest of the world. You have no one to turn to or to speak to that will help you deal with your mental health problems.
Accessing mental health care in the country needs money, time and effort which you may lack because you still have work to attend to, a family to take care of and bills to pay. You do not only need financial support but you also need social and emotional guidance from the people around you.
Awareness
Experts say that prevention is the key to minimizing mental health problems. But how can it be prevented when there is still a large number of individuals who do not see it as a health priority? How can it be resolved when each person has a difficult time telling themselves that they are not okay?
Sad to say, not all people are aware and conscious of the importance of taking good care of their mental health. Even you know people who are insensitive and rude to those with depression, trauma or other mental health conditions. These people refuse to see mental health as a serious concern but rather perceive it as a form of weakness.
Access to Mental Health Care
While it is true that mental health care in the country is not as accessible as we want it to be, you need to tell yourself that it is a priority. Just like your physical wellness, you must be healthy and fit mentally to enjoy and live life to the fullest. Having a healthy mind means healthy relationships, a better career and sound judgment.
Mindshift Psychological Services sees the importance of mental health care. We offer therapy near me and counseling sessions for those who are struggling with depression, trauma, abuse, family or personal crisis. If you want to learn more about us, visit our website or contact us at (714) 584-9700.