Southern Crescent Women in Business Magazine - Summer 2022 Edition

Mental health has been a priority for ages in the sense that we worry, argue and cry about it. However, there is also denial while we try to hide the evidence from the rest of the world about ourselves or our loved ones. Ideas are debated, committees are formed and plans for change are made. What should life look like, when someone you care about is diagnosed with a mental illness? Helping them recover from an acute crisis is just the first step, but of course it cannot stop there. Where is the follow-up and who should be involved? Persons with chronic illness such as high blood pressure or diabetes after diagnosis, have regular appointments to track progress and make adjustments based on findings so the doctor and patient can agree on a modified plan of action. One could argue that the same should be done for patients with mental health diagnoses. Furthermore, current events have been contributing to a rise in depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicides and have created even more questions about the state of mind of everyone. Typical stressors notwithstanding, you then have the pandemic, monkey pox, war, natural disasters….the list goes on. In addition to the pandemic and fight for reproductive rights, recent mass shootings, which have brought more turmoil and uncertainty across the country, is yet another trial that makes you wonder about people’s mental health. Although, not all violence can be explained away by mental illness, in some cases there is a significant connection. In cases where it is, knowing the history and care (or lack thereof) of the perpetrator could possibly help us decrease these types of tragedies. Although people across many demographics are affected, there has still been a lack of a cohesive plan that includes follow-up guidance and care. From my experience professionally and personally, helping someone in crisis for the moment is not the only important road to take. Patients after recovery are not just for numbers and statistics. A personalized plan of care should be devised specifically for each individual's needs. That way they will be able to maintain a healthy track with the guidance of their health care team. For example, Adverse Childhood Experiences(ACE) Traumas will be scored, addressed and tracked. Issues with postpartum depression, difficulties overcoming grief, etc. will be monitored for lingering adverse effects. Per a Georgia Summary Report published in 2021, America’s Health Rankings, non-medical drug use, insufficient sleep, and high percentages of adults avoiding care because of costs are just a few things exacerbating mental health problems in many households. Innovative solutions and a plan of continued care must be formulated to dismantle even these barriers.

By Demetria Winters