Waiting Lists for Mental Health Services Growing Nationally and Locally
Two thirds of patients referred for psychiatric services following an emergency room visit are likely to reach only an answering machine when they call for help, compared to about 20 percent of patients calling medical clinics with physical symptoms. Only 10 percent of all calls to mental health clinics in nine US cities resulted in an appointment scheduled within two weeks, according to a new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study, published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. In New Jersey, the NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline reports that the waiting list for initial appointments range from two weeks to two months, with another four to six weeks wait to see a psychiatrist for a medication consultation. Full Article.Depression on College Campuses
Every fall, young adults return to college campuses across the country. And with the start of classes, so do the academic stresses. For some students, it’s too much. Approximately 1,100 students commit suicide.
Sadly, punishing students suffering from depression by evicting them from the dorms is likely to only increase their feelings of alienation. But there is hope.
Most college campuses have free counseling services to their student body to support mental wellness. Advances are being made in drug treatments for depression. Persistence is the key in relieving depression symptoms, something those afflicted with it are potentially lacking. But knowing that help and support are there can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from depression, the following sites are available for more information:
http://www.depression-screening.org/
Make a move today to end college depression and suicides.