Mental illness, disorders, and burnout were once ignored, swept under the rug, or seen as illnesses to be ashamed of or signs of weakness.
Thankfully, attitudes have changed, to the point where therapy is openly discussed and many businesses offer mental health days to employees who need a break from daily stress.
Now, 87% of American adults believe that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, and 86% think that those who suffer from such a condition can eventually get better. according to a 2018 survey by The Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association.
This view was a godsend during the past 2 years 1⁄2 years, when many Americans hit a wall trying to navigate life amid a worldwide health crisis. But unfortunately, some people are still ashamed to ask for help, don’t know how to reach out, and are afraid they can’t afford treatment.
Chicago is doing something about it, we’re happy to report. Its Mental Health Equity Plan is expanding access to more mental health care facilities, and this fall it plans to roll out a 211 phone number that will make it easier for people to connect with health and social services, including counseling.
It’s a matter of time. Chicago is the only major city in the country that does not have a 211 system already in place.
The recent unveiling of 988, the federal government’s nationwide mental health crisis hotline, made it easier for those in crisis to get help. Chicago’s 211 system — which will launch at the same time in suburban Cook County — will simplify the process of finding the right resources for people who may not be in crisis but need help with their emotional well-being . Both numbers will free up non-emergency 311 operators, who can then focus on garbage collection, tree cutting and pothole calls.
At the same time, the Chicago Department of Public Health will continue its mental health plan by connecting with 26 additional partners – local care providers who provide mental health services. With the expansion, all 77 neighborhoods will have “trauma-informed care centers” based in the city.
Residents who come to these facilities are guaranteed care, regardless of whether or not they can afford it, have health insurance, or are US citizens. When callers call 211, they will be walked through the process of finding a care center and what to expect during a visit, which should help ease the nerves of anyone who is feeling upset.
“The city has long needed two things: an easy way to connect, with a safety net system that doesn’t turn anyone away,” Matt Richards, CDPH’s deputy commissioner of behavioral health, told us recently. “It’s been very difficult for people to connect with what they need and the best practice is to have a single number.”
Callers may have multiple needs—finding counseling, housing, a pediatrician for their child, the location of the nearest food pantry—and 211 operators will provide all of these connections.
A focus on youth
With block grants and additional federal and city funding, the city’s budget for mental health services increased from $36 million in 2021 to $89 million for 2022. As a result, the city will be able to serve 60,000 adults, including 14,500 children by the end of the year. This is a big step, as before 2021, minors had no access to mental health services in the city.
It is especially important to address the mental health challenges of teenagers, who may end up using violence and substance abuse if their anxiety or depression is dismissed as nothing more than teenage angst.
Last year, 37% of public and private high school students nationwide reported that their mental health was poor most or all of the time during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Girls and young members of the LGBTQ community were especially likely to say their mental health suffered during the pandemic.
As a city, we must make available the resources to maintain and improve the mental well-being of the next generation.
A decade ago, more than half of the city’s public health clinics were closed for lack of funding. Six years later, Mayor Rahm Emanuel was criticized for it consolidating 12 city-run mental health clinics To save money.
Thanks in part to federal COVID relief money, CDPH officials say there are enough funds available to keep Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s mental health plan running for the next four years. They hope the care network being implemented now can last beyond that time, with additional money from the city and from higher Medicaid reimbursements for the city’s community partners.
We hope so too.
Illinois has a lower prevalence of mental illness and higher rates of access to care for adults and youth compared to Washington DC and 38 other states, according to a 2022 report from Mental Health America.
But that means 11 other states are doing better. There is still room for improvement.
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