I haven't been posting much because it's just too disturbing for me to handle. But I did want to chime in on the mental health issue.
I have suffered from depression for all of my adult life. We just switched to new health insurance and its much different than what we had before, where I had full access to mental health professionals. I don't necessarily think they were the best in their field but that's another topic.
My depression has gotten worse lately (perfect timing with the insurance switch, right?) so I wanted to make an appt with a psychiatrist. I can't. I saw a new general practitioner and she can't get me in to see one either. She even said their policies are ridiculous. I have to call their 'behavioral health line' where they will "assess" me and "try" to find someone for me. The wait is six to seven months. I literally cannot even call a clinic - the numbers are unlisted. Really??
I am NOT about to start shooting people and I can function in my daily life. But I do have passive suicidal thoughts, which basically means that when I'm feeling really down, I might think "Gee, I wish I would fall asleep and never wake up." I'm not worried about my safety or the safety of others but all I'm asking is to WANT to wake up in the morning and to WANT to live my life to its fullest potential. But they don't seem to care about that. Why is that too much to ask for?
I'm not trying to make this about me, and I don't necessarily like divulging such personal things on a public message board. But these things need to be addressed. Why is mental health treated differently than any other health issue? If my heart was malfunctioning, would they put me through the wringer like this? Would I get the run around have to wait SIX MONTHS to see a doctor? Meanwhile I may DIE? It makes me feel like a freak and like a bother. It makes me feel like I'm not important.
I place full blame on Adam (not his mother, not guns) but I also think our mental health system needs a major overhaul. My depression should be treated like any other illness and I should be able to see a doctor when I need one.
(now don't judge me)
Big HUGS to you, Hopeful One.