I just moved to PA about 1.5 weeks ago. I am loving the area but I noticed that I am struggling to find not only a therapist but a psychiatrist (someone who helps manage medicine that makes you feel better). My dad who is a doctor, had told me there is a shortage of mental health professionals, which explains it.
According to Jaspen (2018), who writes articles about the health system for Forbes, stated "increase in suicides, there's an unprecedented demand for psychiatrists, new data and physician recruiters report. With the high rise in mental health crises, there seems to be a shortage of mental health professionals, which can serve as a crisis for individuals who really need the care.
I am one of them, as I do not consider myself to be a harm to society or anything, but therapy and medication has helped me battle my troubles since my teenage years. Truthfully, I am not sure what I would do without therapy; I find it truly helpful and empowering.
Why is there a shortage of mental health professionals? Well, according to Levine (2018) of U.S. news, reported "Historically, the demand [for treatment] has not been as strong due to higher levels of stigma and lower rates of treatment being sought," says Dr. Jerry Halverson, chief medical officer for Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin." So now that mental health problems are rising, there is a lack of support for that.
What can we do to make the health care felid stronger? Well, I am not sure, but the articles I presented do mention some good ways. There can be recruitment and training methods put in place to get more people to join the mental health feild, be better at it, and even enjoy it.
If it really comes down to it, and you can't find mental support help, I would suggest self-care tactics such as doing things you enjoy, getting good sleep, exercising, eating right; I know these help me feel better. They may not help A LOT, but a bit is better than nothing.
So as I am in the process of struggling to find a psychiatrist, as I finally found a therapist after my two week search, I wish all of those luck who are looking for help; it's a real struggle.
