Mental health just as important as physical health

by Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

Since 1949, May has been Mental Health Awareness month. It’s a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, as well as highlighting the ways how mental illness and addiction can affect all of us – patients, families and society at large.

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. There is no single cause for mental illness as a number of factors have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control. Two common mental health issues in the United States are suicidal thoughts and depression. The CDC reports that suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US and has increased by more than 30% since 1999.

A 2020 community health needs assessment for Harvey County showed adolescents aged 12-17 who have had a depressive episode (2015-16) being at 13% in Kansas, which is the same number in the U.S.

Those in the Medicare population have seen a growth in being diagnosed with depression each year since 2013 and percentages for Kansas are slightly higher than the U.S. numbers.

High school students who reported they seriously considered attempting suicide show very close numbers between the U.S. and Kansas youth. Kansas females (20%) in both cases far outnumber their male counterparts (11%).

So how does one go about finding resources for mental health concerns? One course of action would be to utilize the United Way 211 referral service.

United Way 211 is a free, confidential service that can connect you to a wide range of resources and services across Kansas (not just United Way funded partners). You won’t just be “patched through” to agencies. Staff dig deep to understand what’s happening and connect you with the resources that best meet those needs, not just the one that prompted your call or text.

The 211 service can be accessed through telephone, text, online and live chat from their website.

So a person is diagnosed with a mental illness and the medical professional has prescribed medications and medications can be quite expensive. It can be daunting to have a diagnosis but not able to afford the medications.

Harvey County United Way has partnered with SingleCare to offer a free coupon card to help people get up to 80% off their prescriptions – all medicines, not just those for mental health.

The free card is not insurance but can be used for savings at most pharmacies for all family members for all medications.. Access to the card includes a download, text or email from their website as well as being able to pick one up at our office at 500 N. Main St., Ste. 206 in Newton.

Mental health challenges can make a person feel helpless and alone. But with a strong support system, professional referrals and access to discounted medication, Harvey County residents have a better chance at managing their mental state and overcoming the stigma of mental illness.