Video: Mental Health Care
I have diagnosed depression. I am also an (recovering) alcoholic. Both are considered either a disease or disorder. Both are real health problems but add the word metal and neither can get you an appointment to be helped right away. This week, I saw a video of Elizabeth Warren, supporting action on mental health which brought memories back to life for me. I remembered a time when I was looking for help and it was not available. I was put on a waiting list to be seen as soon as the next appointment was available, which was 3 months away. No one in my life at the time considered it a health issue and I just needed to stop (referring to the drinking). In one instance, the advice that I was given was that I needed to pray more. They had never experienced anything that I am dealing with or have dealt with.
Mankind does not readily believe things that are not tangible by them. People are less likely to believe something that they have not directly experienced themselves. I won’t deny that I have fell for this as well. Until the fall and winter of 2018, I did not believe hallucinations were a real thing. I believed that they did happen to people but I felt that if they would just pay attention, they would be able to tell. Or in extreme cases, the hallucinations happened to people who had permanently lost control of their mind. Now, my mind holds memories from a period of time in 2018 which I cannot say with certainty are real. The hallucinations I experienced were not like I had imagined, something from an LSD trip (well the marketed examples, as I have never had that experience). My blurred memories are of real people, with real conversations, and interwoven with current events. The point is, my ignorance did not make things true (just because I believed it didn’t make it true). It was an awakening for me. I realized that people need to be open to things and escape our egocentric views.
When I was looking for help, when I knew that I needed something, now, I had a 3 month wait to be seen. The only immediate treatment that I received during that time was emergency based, like a trip to the ER. My access to help was also limited by insurance. It is no secret that healthcare is expensive. I do know and have experienced the costs of healthcare and treatment being prohibitive. The medications that I used to prevent drinking were $30 per pill without insurance and $15 per pill with. If I need to see a doctor for a cut, I can name several places that I could go right now. If I need mental help, I am not aware what is available to me. Where do I start? Of course, I have done some of that research now, and have identified those resources for me. But it was a research process. The publicity around one vs. the other is very different. Clear down to a friend’s referral. Also mental health practitioners are not widely considered “primary care providers” so getting in takes time.
There is still a stigma with talking about it. Oh the stigma; raised eyebrows, and condescending concern. The nonverbal responses that come across as dismissive. Depending on the church and belief system, the conclusions range from demons to a person’s prayer life, which can lead to a prayer intervention or exorcism in rare extreme cases. When we talked about alcoholism, “supporters” reminded me that I just needed to stop. As if the issue could be resolved by simply quitting. Turn it off like a light switch. And I did not realize how desperate the need for help I had was and how ignorant “we” were on the topics, until I felt beyond help.
I am not going to bombard you with statistics. If you want to research more on the subject, by all means, go ahead. I would encourage it. I would encourage you to form your own opinion based on what you find out. What I share here, while true, are only my experiences. And in closing, I want to share a couple resources that you can use if you are not sure where to turn. Everyone has the right to receive help. Not help that only covers 3 appointments; not help that gives you a pill and takes your money; not help that just leaves it God. We don’t accept that for other health problems – why is it ok for this? Below is a small list that I am aware of. And by damn, if you just need to talk to someone – contact me. No one should be alone when dealing with this. While I don’t have all the solutions – we can figure this out.
*** One side note, while this remains unpublished, I have been doing more research for a therapist in my area. I have sent out around 10 queries to different practices. On Psychology Today, there are only about 10-11 people that meet the criteria that I am looking for, that also take my insurance. Of the 10 that I emailed, trying to start a patient relationship, 7 have replied that they are full and have no clue when they will have an opening. And there each response sends a “good luck” sort of pep ending. So the resources, that are available – are not open at this time. I didn’t even think about that when originally crafting this post. ***
Teen Challenge – This is a program that can be helpful. It is a work camp essentially. You are provided for in the form of shelter, food, and group support. It is open to all addiction types and adults or teens alike. The program is heavy in biblical study, but is at no cost to you. If you can donate financially, that is a plus, but you will work for the program during your stay. If you have faith – or want to have faith – this may be a viable option. I spent 45 days in this program in Milwaukee, WI.
ACE’s – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. Working together, we can help create neighborhoods, communities, and a world in which every child can thrive.
Psychology Today, Find A Therapist – This resource allows you to find a therapist near you with experience in whatever type of affliction you are dealing with. Each listing has a bio – and majority of the contacts have a free initial consult so that you can ensure you are a match (style, topic, etc.).
Celebrate Recovery – This is a faith friendly program (which I have been a part of) that deals with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. “Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”
Warm wishes. joe.
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