“You may be your own best
(but secret) treatment provider.””
Since launching mentalhealthjustice.net and our accompanying Facebook Page about ten weeks ago, we have noticed several trends:
- Our community is large and engaged. That's not a surprise but the fact that we already have more than 6,000 members (90% which are regularly engaging on our site) and we're reaching nearly 80,000 people a week (and growing) makes it clear that people are craving substantive information about mental health issues.
- People need and want to "Tell Their Stories." Our program to have you send in your video narratives is off to a great start. Daily people are sending us their compelling, poignant and triumphant mental health stories.
- Mental health is an equal opportunity disease. A demographic analysis of our members looks like a map of the United States. Our members are of all races, creeds and political affiliations. Mental health justice is indeed the greatest non-partisan issue of our time.
- Many people continue to be stigmatized and judged because of their mental illness. We hear time and time again that even among family members judgment remains harsh and obstinate.
- Mental health policy needs to be reformed. The way that government and private health care deal with mental illness leaves a lot to be desired. Public and private mental health services are difficult to access, expensive and insufficient. Across the country, law enforcement is poorly trained to deal with mental health issues. While, it is not the duty of law enforcement to solve the mental health problem; it's clearly necessary that law enforcement be better trained for crisis situations involving mental health.
- Finally, many people are frustrated with their mental health treatment, options and progress. There are many complicated layers as to why this is the case. But one things is clear–a lot of people need change and new options.
We did our research and found this wonderful article by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. in psychcentral.com. The article, which is scientifically reviewed, offers ten great tips to help your recovery. The common denominator? We are always our own best advocate when it comes to our treatment and recovery. I find that fact both challenging, exciting and true!
Mental Health Justice. No stigma, no judgment. Everyone is welcome.
Dolores Sanchez