One thing our country needs is a better mental health treatment system. In 2020, 21 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. That is 8.4% of all U.S. adults. And those are only the ones who admitted to it. There is still such a stigma around mental illness that many will not admit to it. I’d go so far as to say there is downright discrimination against people with mental illness, but that is for another post. With all of those needing mental health treatment, there is not enough help.
Someone close to me called to make an appointment to see a therapist, and he was told that they would have to put him on a “call back list” to call when an appointment could be made, and was informed that appointments being made are at least 6 months out. Can you imagine being desperate enough to need help but are told you have to wait at least 6 months? Imagine breaking a bone and being told you couldn’t see your doctor for 6 months. That bone isn’t going to heal correctly.
Why is there such a problem with the mental health system? Are there not enough therapists? Should we incentivize going to school to become a therapist? Maybe providers should be willing to pay higher salaries. Whatever the case may be, something needs to change. A person should not have to wait 6 months to see a mental health therapist.
Maybe this is a good call to action for us all to be more supportive of those with mental illness. They struggle getting professional help, so maybe we can at least provide a kind word and a caring heart to those in need.
The Renaissance Man Blog 