WHIO Staff

It’s been an unprecedented couple of years and many are trying to seek help to talk about what they are going through.

Recently with shortages and the #pandemic, when those people reach out for help they are being denied or waitlisted.

There are not enough #doctors, #therapists, or resources to give people the help they need.

A report by the #UnitedStates Senate last month found that more than half of the people who need #mentalhealthcare do not receive it.

A new bipartisan effort is in the works to expand #mentalhealth access nationwide.

#JamesDonaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,

Celebrating Your Gift of Life:

From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

 

Darcie Clark, owner of Riverscape Counseling in Dayton, said she understands the frustrations #mentalhealth facilities are having as they try to deal with growing demand.

Clark said Riverscape has tried to bring in a diverse staff of #counselors, but if their specialty is fully booked sometimes #patients will have to be turned away or put on a waitlist.

On Capitol Hill lawmakers have discussed the issues of #racial disparities and ways to improve access to resources through #Medicare and #Medicaid.

Clark said that these efforts are overdue, but could help immensely.

“It’s so refreshing to hear,” she said, “I think that there’s a lot that could be done with that. There’s a lot of areas where care could be better provided.”

There is also the suggestion by lawmakers to increase scholarships as well as educational programs to expand and diversify the #mentalhealth workforce.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/04/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-mentalhealthprofessionals-struggle-to-meet-growing-demand/