More funding needed for mental health treatment

Recently, a close friend and active community member said, “I have depression and have been treated for it most of my life, but don’t tell anyone!”

Like my friend, shame, fear and silence feed our continuing Mental health Crisis in America. We can’t fix what we’re afraid to talk about.

We typically struggle alone and wrongly think it’s only happening to me, and what if my friends or boss find out? We need to end this cultural shame by starting appropriate education in our schools to teach Mental health Literacy and open up treatment funding.

Why do you say that? Some 50-60 million adults and children living with MH conditions in the United States, nearly half go untreated. That’s 1 in 5 Americans of us walking around with a MH disorder. Our system is broken, and people seeking treatment must navigate a fragmented and costly system full of obstacles. As a result, many people cannot access mental health care when they need it most — amplified for Americans without resources. What happens? I lived with an untreated MH disorder for half of my life, with regrets about how my behavior and self-medicating hurt the people closest to me — this doesn’t have to happen to you.

So, what can we do about it?

If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, seek help; a start can be telling your primary care doctor or talking with a trusted friend about what you’re feeling.

Keep a close watch on our children; their moody behavior may not be just a phase. Put busyness aside and make time to listen to your child’s stories with your full attention? Hug them, even teenagers (allow them to cry), and tell them you love them often.

Call Lifeline at 800-2738255 for a crisis (changing to 988 in July.) Call Lifeline if you want advice about yourself or someone who may be suicidal.

Finally, there’s no red or blue division; mental health affects all of us. Contact your political representatives and demand fair funding for MH treatment as heart disease, and cancer conditions get.