We are in times of uncertainty – the impact of the COVID Pandemic and its facts, cannot be ignored – but yet, we know, they are.
People care to believe what they want to believe and what serves them best. The same attitude applies to mental health even when we look at the facts:
- One in fve adults experiences a mental health condition every year.
- One in 20 lives with a serious and persistent mental diagnosis such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- In addition to the person directly experiencing the diagnosis, family, friends and communities are also affected.
Facts speak for themselves – science indicates that the normal personality and behavior changes of adolescence may mimic or mask symptoms of a mental health condition. Early engagement and support are crucial to improving outcomes and increasing the promise of recovery. (NAMI.org)
Mental health does matter – and when facts are ignored and not taken literally, lives suffer – families suffer, and so does the community.
Prejudice and discrimination and ignorance (stigma) creates misunderstandings that add to the suffering.
Back in the early 2000s, then Representative Patrick Kennedy, an avid mental health advocate, started a campaign to revolutionize the way mental health care is delivered in America to create a future where diagnosis and treatment covers the brain and the body. Since retiring from office, Kennedy has continued to advocate for those living with a mental diagnosis – he truly has been a “Mental Health Warrior” over the years. Armed with tools and facts, Kennedy has been an inspiration in the battle to change how mental health care is seen in America.
The battle continues presently with our legislators negotiating The “Build Back Better Act.” A $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package that includes significant new investments in health care, including budget measures for mental health care and drug addiction treatment and follow-up. The project will go before the Senate during the first weeks in October. We are calling all mental health warriors to stand up and be counted. Let your Ohio Senator know how important mental health care is to you – contact them today. Mental health matters.
