In this season of New Year’s resolutions, perhaps we should resolve to improve things for the nearly 20% of Americans who experience mental illnesses and the more than 8% with substance use disorders. Mental illnesses are as disabling as cardiovascular diseases and cancers, and may be just as fatal. People with mental illnesses are more likely to die younger from commonly occurring physical health problems. Mental health inequities are rampant. Not only is the mortality risk higher, but among certain population groups, illnesses are more prevalent and more severe, and access to mental health services is still quite limited.
I suppose we can celebrate some small victories. There have been pharmaceutical and technological improvements in treating mental illnesses and substances use disorders. Lethal overdoses of heroin and prescription pain medications can be reversed with the administration of naloxone, which is becoming more available to first responders and other high-risk groups. Newer antidepressant medications are safe and effective, with fewer side effects than past iterations. Recovery is indeed possible, and there is renewed hope and understanding that people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders can lead meaningful lives. To an individual with a mental illness or substance use disorder, these and other advances mean a great deal.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/b...#LUyhhKvwqFbotSlB.99
[For more of this story, written by Ruth Shim, go to http://www.philly.com/philly/b...s-mental-health.html]
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