James Donaldson on Mental Health - How to Address America’s Mental Health Crisis? Talk to Your Doctor

Many Americans are struggling with their mental health. Family physicians and psychiatrists know how to help.

By Steven Furr and Petros Levounis

Nearly 30% of American adults in 2023 reported having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.

The data on mental health in America tells a bleak story.

The suicide rate for kids in the U.S. between the ages of 10 and 14 was three times as high in 2021 as it was in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nearly 30% of American adults in 2023 reported having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.

And recent studies indicate teenagers who more often use social media are at increased risk of negative mental health outcomes, especially girls.

It’s become abundantly clear that as we emerge from one public health emergency in the COVID-19 pandemic, we must address another. But this crisis can be changed by improving access to mental health care in the U.S.

As family physicians and psychiatrists, we see, speak and listen to patients who are experiencing mental health challenges every day. We see firsthand how stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness permeates workplaces, relationships and even the medical community.

We always explain to patients and their families that mental illness is a medical problem, just like heart disease or diabetes, and it is treatable. We are well-equipped to have hard conversations, connect patients with resources and prescribe medication and other therapeutic interventions when needed.

But access to mental health care is a problem. High costs and a shortage of behavioral health professionals have put needed care out of reach for many patients. In 2021, only a third of people across three major types of health care coverage who had a diagnosed behavioral health condition received treatment from a behavioral health specialist within the same year.

We need a major paradigm shift – one that goes beyond simply talking about the importance of mental health care and actually makes access to this care tangible, equitable and affordable.

There are a few ways to improve access to lifesaving mental health services, but perhaps the first step is answering what often is a patient’s first question: “Where do I begin?”

The answer, and often the treatment, can be found at a primary care physician’s office. Primary care physicians frequently serve as the first point of contact for patients navigating the health care system, and many people with poor mental health will be diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting. In fact, one study found primary care physicians provided most of the care for patients with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues not classified as severe.

#James Donaldson 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/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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Given that primary care physicians may be the only source of mental health care for many patients – especially in rural and underserved communities – integrating mental health services and primary care resources has never been more important.

Early intervention and treatments matter in mental health care. When primary care physicians can spot emerging symptoms and treat them or refer patients to psychiatrists, health outcomes often improve. For example, research indicates earlier access to specialized treatment can lead to better outcomes for people with psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder, while access to care for youth with borderline personality disorder could lead to improved functioning.

Early intervention can also reduce the chance of substance use progressing to a disorder.

One promising model for care is to have primary care physicians work with behavioral health specialists on site, allowing them to address patients’ mental and physical health at the same time, including conditions like anxiety and depression. In this integrated behavioral health care model, physicians can facilitate a safe exchange of information and connect patients with other specialists like psychiatrists, who can also help with further counseling and medication needs. These models are increasingly common and help make care more accessible.

If our nation’s leaders want to address the country’s alarming mental health crisis, they should get serious about integrating mental health services in a primary care setting. Family physicians and psychiatrists know how to do this, and we stand ready to work with public health and policy officials to avert this growing crisis.

It will take the help of the medical community, policymakers, patients and families to make unfettered access to mental health care a reality.

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