Chronical Mental Illness: A Living Nightmare BY: PATRICIA L. PICKLES, Ph.D. Quevarra Moten

Coming Out of the Mental Illness “Closet” Our lives begin to end The day we become silent About things that matter. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Early Detection and Intervention

Children and Adolescents: The Facts about Mental Illness  Mental illness is the leading cause for hospitalization in children from 1-17  1 in 5 children will experience mental confusion  1 in 10 students will experience a serious emotional disorder  50% of students, aged 14 and older, drop out of school.  Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among year olds.

Higher Education: The Facts About Mental Illness  75 percent of lifetime cases of mental health conditions begin by age 24.  One in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have a diagnosable mental illness. More than 25 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated by a professional for a mental health condition within the past year.  More than 11 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated for anxiety in the past year and more than 10 percent reported being diagnosed or treated for depression.  More than 40 percent of college students have felt more than an average amount of stress within the past 12 months.

Higher Education: The Facts About Mental Illness  More than 80 percent of college students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do in the past year and 45 percent have felt things were hopeless.  Almost 73 percent of students living with a mental health condition experienced a mental health crisis on campus. Yet, 34.2 percent reported that their college did not know about their crisis.  Colleges across the country have reported large increases in enrollment. At the same time, college counseling centers have also observed an increase in the prevalence and severity of mental health issues experienced by students and an increase in the number of students taking psychotropic medications.

Disparities and Barriers to Treatment for Minority, Racial, Ethnic and Indigent Subgroups

 Disrespectful culture and climate  Fear  Lack of communication  Lack of health insurance  Lack of trust: documented history and legacy of racial injustice  Language  Less likely to seek treatment  Poverty and not understanding how to navigate the system  Revolving door from incarceration to homelessness, from the juvenile justice system to foster care  Spiritual and cultural beliefs  Stigma and stereotypes  Systemic Barriers

Systemic Barriers The Tale of Two Cities City A  The system is pro-active.  Can be done over the phone in fifteen minutes.  Appointments are set up like any other doctor appointment.  One stop shop for medication, counseling and support.  Effective communication within the system. City B  The system is re-active.  Complex intake process: must be done in person, takes an hour and a half.  Appointments are set up but it does not matter. First come, first served.  Multiple locations for medication and other support services.  Poor communication within the system and lack of execution of services.

Cultural Competence in Mental Health and Wellness

The provider is educated about the culture and communities of those being served. The provider meets the consumer where he is. The consumer has a safe place to tell his story. Because there is the belief that treatment works: support, hope, and encouragement are demonstrated through practice and by building relationships. Mental illness is viewed like any other medical illness and stereotyping and profiling are avoided. There is a culture of respect, compassion, and empathy. In addition to scientific knowledge, providers demonstrate emotional intelligence.

Final Questions or Comments? Thank you Dr. Patricia Pickles A+ Standards of Excellence & Equity