By PAUL NATINSKY
Until recently, I never gave much serious thought to mental health. As a member of that latch-key, seat-beltless, hose-hydrating generation born in the late ‘60s, I thought of mental health as a refuge of the weak and excuse-seeking. Worse, at times I thought of those with severe mental health issues as hopeless institution dwellers beyond the help of healthcare professionals. Even as I gained experience as a healthcare reporter and health policy professional in the state legislature, I hated working on mental health issues.
That’s a tough truth to admit to for a healthcare publication editor and I’ll probably pay a price for that. But it is important to illustrate how far attention to mental health has come in public and professional consciousness.
We see the quarterback of the national champion Michigan Wolverines meditating cross-legged, eyes closed, with his back against the goal post. We later see him consulting with the team psychologist on the sideline during the championship game (imagine that tableau during the Schembechler era!).
We see the suicides of beloved public figures such as actor and comedian Robin Williams used to draw attention to the horribly painful and self-negating effects of depression.
We see concern about the effects of “triggering” events on our fellow humans, and outpouring of attention to bullying, shaming and the general mental and emotional wellbeing of children.
I now wholeheartedly support and applaud most of these changes in attitude, even as residual attitudes about mental health echo within me.
Recent personal experience has imbued me with the belief that lifestyle changes and targeted mental health care—that includes therapy, medication and positive lifestyle choices—makes a substantial positive difference in a person’s life.
Almost two-and-a-half years ago, I had a stroke. I was only 55 at the time. I carried almost 300 pounds on my 5’ 10” frame, drank heavily and smoked cigars. It has taken almost two years to recover sensation and muscle coordination on my right side as well as mental acuity and processing speed.
In the process of this recovery, I discovered that the stroke was not the only trauma that required rehabilitation and recovery. I now live a life without alcohol or tobacco. I weigh 60 pounds less than I did at ground zero. I meditate and exercise. It’s a different and better way to live. It has saved my marriage, resuscitated my relationship with my daughters and taught me to live in the moment.
These are lessons that are being widely disseminated, and that’s a very good thing. But we still have a long way to go.
Mental healthcare needs to have same level of coverage as physical healthcare in health plans. This is not yet a universal practice.
Mental healthcare—including, and maybe especially, drug therapy—needs to be coordinated between primary care providers and mental health professionals. I have firsthand knowledge that this is not happening.
More intense focus is necessary on treating the underlying causes of depression, anxiety and the addictions to which they lead. Here too, I can speak from experience.
We’re off to a good start. It’s up to the healthcare community to keep the momentum going.
Healthcare Michigan – Michigan’s 21st Century Healthcare News Source