Mental Health 101: Depression

Mental health reform is a pressing, loaded topic; which must be approached delicately, but with a great deal of vigilance.

In a sense, I consider myself an advocate for the mentally ill. I have suffered bouts of severe depression, and have attempted to seek treatment by various means over the past 15 years. The means have involved treatment in an excellent partial program, as well as individual therapy, and one very harrowing stay at a state hospital{self committal}.

In regards to funding, a very real part of the problem is that standard healthcare for the average American is sparse in this arena. Part of that, I believe is the stigma and misunderstanding often associated with mental illness.Often, too often when one approaches an employer with emotional issues the problem is dealt with in a spirit of disdain (albeit veiled in politically correct sympathies). The person may be viewed as a risk, at the very best. The terminology for various mental illnesses enhances the mystique.

The prevailing view seems to be that one can be shuffled off, patched up, pickled with pills and can hence return unscathed to the daily grind. Unfortunately many programs are geared this way, and this tends to undermine the very nature of said illnesses, because they are often progressive, and demand ongoing treatment. This is not to say that one struggling with a mental illness cannot lead an active and relatively "normal life.

It is my feeling though, that more programs need to be focused on awareness as well as relapse prevention. It seems many mental health programs are geared towards a brief "respite", and burdened with heavy financial constraints. The price of medication is astronomical, and dispensed freely in lieu of cognitive therapy.

People suffering from severe depression or anxiety are often unable to lift themselves out of bed in the morning, let alone tackle the stresses of a regimented workday. Hence many brilliant, yet troubled people are caught in a quandary. Many government-funded facilities will offer assistance, but desist the minute a person is active and productive enough to find a job. Once a certain level of income is obtained, the aide they were receiving ceases. This is a very real problem because often entry-level jobs do not provide healthcare. While one may be making enough to support themselves reasonably, they still may not be making enough to afford the added expense of medication.

It does seem, as of late that this issue is being addressed more readily. Drugs for the treatment of anxiety, and depressive disorders are being marketed more overtly. There are also quite a few pharmaceutical companies that foster indigent programs. While some might disagree with the use of medication, this does ring of hope, a bit. In a sense it speaks of advocacy, and serves to lift the veil of ignorance a bit. Daily we are dosed with salacious news reports of celebrities in crises. Rumors of nervous breakdown make for hot press. Psychological terminology often gets garbled and misused. In a sense it's a mixed blessing. One positive thing is that issues that were once hushed, and secreted away, now very much have a platform.

How we choose to use or abuse that depends on whom we vote for, and where our money goes. I would advise anyone with mental health issues to do their research. Look into programs that offer assistance. Find out your local politicians stance on these issues. It is also advisable to thoroughly research your diagnosis, and question your therapist and Psychiatrist. It is important to look into the long-term side effects and clinical trials for any prescribed medicine.

Alternative therapies might be an option as well. In the western world we tend to treat symptoms, and often the actual disorder is simply suppressed. Diet and Nutrition play a major role too. It is so vital that we are self-attuned. While that might be a separate issue altogether, I believe that a holistic approach would be more beneficial to society as a whole. We start with our psyches individually and manifest that collectively.