PIC Current

by Molly Piester, PIC Current Contributor

Courtesy of Kevin Dooley

When times get tough, it’s natural to feel stress. But when pressures grow too big, they can help lead to mental health disorders. 

Such disorders include:

• substance abuse
• anxiety disorders
• depression
• other mental illnesses

The Center for Disease Control estimates that each year, one out of every two Americans copes with a mental disorder. That’s right: HALF of the population. 

But at a time like this, when financial problems are growing, we can expect even more people to suffer from such disorders. As we mentioned in a previous post, low-income Americans suffer more than most from issues such as depression. 

The good news: most of these disorders are treatable. The bad news: less than half of adults, and one-third of kids, actually get the help they need.

Why? Here are some common reasons: 

• It’s not always easy to recognize or admit that you might have a mental health problem
• Many fear what others might think
• Others wonder where to go for help
• Concerns over paying for treatment

No matter what the reason, though, failing to get help with a mental health disorder will not make it go away. In fact, without treatment, mental health problems can become as disabling as illnesses like heart disease or cancer.

What can you do if you think you might need help with a mental health problem?

1. Find out more.

If you’re not sure if you need help, this website can give you a place to start. You can also learn more about various mental health issues here.

Or you can call:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness for information, support, and referrals at 1 (800) 950-NAMI (6264) (Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm Eastern time)
• Outreach Services (they specialize in addiction issues), for a free assessment and referral at 1 (866) 418-1397.

2. Use the resources you have to get the help you need.

If you need immediate support, call one of the following toll-free hotlines:

National Suicide Prevention Hotlines:

• 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) 
• TDD/TTY: 1 (800) 273-4TTY (4889)
• 1 (800) SUICIDE  (784-2433)

National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline: 

• 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• TDD/TTY: 1 (800) 487-4889
• Spanish: 1 (877) 767-8432

Alcohol Hotline Support & Information: 

• 1 (800) 331-2900

Find other national toll-free hotlines.

Find crisis hotlines in your state.

• If you have insurance, call your provider to find out what you need to do to get help from a mental health professional.  Some plans have specific rules or procedures you must follow.
• If you have Medicare, your mental health benefits are summarized here.
• If you have Medicaid, or think you might qualify for Medicaid, your coverage will depend on the state you live in. Find out more about Medicaid coverage in your state.

If you have no insurance for mental health care, visit these websites to find help:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Services Locator
• Mental Health America

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