I’m one of the 14.8 million adults in America who suffer from depression. Clearly I’m not embarrassed to share this fact. I mean, it’s not like I pull the wings off flies or pilfer my son’s college savings to pay for Botox. That’s stuff to be embarrassed about. But when it comes to depression, anxiety, and all of those pesky mental health issues most folks would prefer to sweep under the rug, I’d be ashamed of myself if I didn’t share my experience and advocate for more and better mental health services in our community.
According to the Mental Health America Parity or Disparity 2015 Report, among adults in America, 42.5 million suffer from some kind of mental illness, 19.7 million have a substance abuse problem, and 8.8 million report serious thoughts of suicide. Among children/youth, 6.2 million suffer from an emotional, behavioral, or developmental issue, 1.6 million have a substance abuse problem, 2.1 million report having at least one major depressive episode in the last year, and 8.01% report having attempted suicide once in the last year. In addition, twice as many females (10.5%) attempted suicide as males (5.4%).
Those are some scary stats. You know what else is scary? When someone suffers a mental health crisis in Fauquier County, their family has to travel tremendous distances to get them care. Why? Because we don’t have a single inpatient facility anywhere nearby. Can you imagine having a car accident, a heart attack, or breaking your leg and having to drive to Prince William or Winchester to get treated? That would be ridiculous, and we’d all be up in arms about it. But a mental health facility? Shhhhh. We don’t talk about that stuff, and we certainly don’t want a place like that in our backyard!
Maybe I’m alone out here, but I for one think we have to talk about “that stuff,” and we should be proud to have an inpatient mental health hospital in our backyard.
If you feel similarly, please join me, along with the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County, and Fauquier Citizens for Mental Health Access in signing this petition.
Thank you.
I am 100% in agreement with you on this! I too suffer depression and anxiety issues and have travelled to Purcelville, Dulles as well as other far-reached areas to seek help. Fauquier county needs to acknowledge the fact that we are all human beings with everyday struggles and Mental disorders – first and foremost should not be ignored!
Bridgett, I am so with you. I have depression and anxiety, and one of my sons is schizo affective bipolar. I can’t tell you how tough it’s been to get care for him. When you or a family member are in crisis, you shouldn’t have to drive four, five, six hours to get help. But that’s how it is here in beautiful Fauquier County. I’m hopeful it will change and I intend to make a lot of noise about it until it does!
Thanks for your note, and best wishes for a year filled with good mental health!
Susan
I agree so much. I thank GOD there was one near me or would not be here today. I suffer from PTSD, Depression, and I’m Bipolar Type 2.
I’m so happy that you got the treatment you needed when you needed it, Laura. Thank God is right! I too suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety and am BP2. I can’t tell you how long it took to find a great doctor near (relatively near) my home. There need to be better services available in Fauquier County and everywhere, frankly. As a country, we need to prioritize mental health care.
Best wishes for good mental health in the New Year!
Susan
there needs to be a good mental health facility and treatment center in Fauquier county, VA
Julia, I couldn’t agree more. I’m on the board of the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County and we’re working hard to achieve that goal. Folks need to realize that there is no health without mental health. When they do, we’ll have a treatment center here, at home.
Thank you for your note!
Susan