Mental health authorities along with the CDC have released astonishing data in the past few months that shows an overall increase in demand for mental health care.
Some numbers show demand for mental health care this March has dramatically increased compared to numbers released last March. People are presenting with anxiety, depression, substance use issues, overdose, and suicidal ideation or attempts.
There are also reports that there are not enough resources--treatment providers and agencies--or funding to meet the demand for services. Other barriers to treatment include transportation issues, lack of social and family support for seeking those services, stigma in general, and inability to pay for the services.
We are seeing the the toll this pandemic has had on our brothers and sisters, on members of our communities, and our sons and daughters. On ourselves. While no single person can save the world, small acts from each of us can help create big change. Learning about existing resources, supporting those in need, advocating for services, and taking care of ourselves can help make that change.
Resources: In Western Oklahoma, we are small communities with not a lot of services available. There are local community mental health agencies that can be contacted for help. Calling the Oklahoma helpline 2-1-1 or going to https://www.211oklahoma.org/can help anyone find many resources that are available in their area. Also, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services offers a list of treatment centers and other resources by navigating to https://oklahoma. networkofcare.org/mh/. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
Support: Check on your friends, family, and neighbors. Call, text, or see if they are up for a visit. Ask them if they are struggling, if they need help, or if there is anything you can do to lighten their load. Help them explore resources if they have needs you cannot meet.
Advocating: Let your legislators know that you support funding mental health and social services. You can find contact information for your legislator by going to http://www.oklegislature.gov/ and clicking the Find My Legislature link. You can call or email your representatives and tell them to make sure they are supporting mental health care in Western Oklahoma.
Taking Care of Ourselves: In a recent submission, I mentioned the adage, "You cannot pour from an empty cup." This means we must take care of ourselves if we want to take care of others. Do things for yourself to improve and maintain your mental wellness. Visit with friends, exercise, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, ask for help when you need it, do things you find enjoyable, seek support from a professional if you need it, find community and connection in a support system, lean on a higher power. Do the things you need to do to be okay so that you can then support and care for others. We must take care of ourselves if we want to extend that care to others.
We can get through this tough time together. Learning about resources, supporting one another, advocating for supports within our communities, and taking care of ourselves is how we create change and help one another.
Sarah Mears-Ivy brings 13 years of experience in the field of human sciences and advocacy.