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Mental health matters. Currently, there is much talk about mental health and how mental health services can help people in need. Still, the stigma of seeking services persists. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help.
Conversely, those who seek help have great courage.
In the past few years, due to the pandemic mental health services can be provided via phone contact and computer contact.
This is a major movement forward.
We can get the help we need without leaving home. Telemental health services are here to stay.
Still, problems with mental health care services persist. Services are denied at twice the rate of physical health care services.
This is discrimination against people dealing with mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities. All people have value and need help to deal with problems in living.
Medicaid and managed care organizations in Kentucky resist fair reimbursements, limit the medications accepted and restrict the number of inpatient days for the mentally ill.
The lack of adequate funding has had consequences.
Kentucky ranks 45th in per-capita funding for mental health care, 49th (second worst) in the number of people suffering from depression and 49th (second lowest) in mental health well-being. Suicide in Kentucky killed 800 people in 2020. Death by suicide is preventable with mental health services.
In mental health reality, action is what’s needed. Cuts to mental health services, is where the real problem lies.
Mental health needs funding like physical health. If we want the problems to abate, we must rethink everything so that people can access the help they need through a means where they are comfortable.
And you can do your part by helping people get the help they deserve.
Remember 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.”
Love God and all people.
Amen.
