Monroe Review

Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRCM) reported that the state has neglected its duty in offering mental health services, using data to bolster its claims.

CRCM says the economic, social and mental health of Michigan residents is being corroded by the COVID-19 pandemic, and reopening the economy may offer only a fraction of a remedy. Individuals suffering from mental health conditions are likely to experience an exacerbation of their symptoms, which may be marked by a number of signs. 

Across the U.S., the rates of depression, anxiety, drug abuse and suicide have been steadily worsening. At the same time, treatment options remain underwhelming in response to this growing problem. Those treatment options which do exist, additionally, are often difficult to attain due to lack of affordability. 

Michigan ranks 17th in overall rates of mental illness and access to care, giving it a failing rate from the Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity. Other grades are equally disparaging, such as the ranking of 23rd for suicidal thoughts among adults. The National Alliance on Mental Illness also found a 2019 research study showing that more than 1.3 million adult Michigan residents suffer from mental health conditions, and 38% of these adults do not receive care for those conditions. 

One in five Michigan youths are suffering from one or more mental health conditions, and 13% of youth reported a depressive episode in 2017. Less than half of these young people suffering from depression have access to care. 

Among the barriers to service and care for mental health are a lack of psychiatrists, lack of inpatient care and a combination of high cost and insurance challenges with coverage of treatment. 

“Because it is already such a difficult task for individuals to seek mental health treatment, uncertainty about insurance coverage prevents some people from getting the help they need,” CRCM stated. 

A number of remedies to these issues exist, including increasing the number of available professionals, requiring benefits coverage for essential issues and increasing support for graduate medical education residencies for fields related to mental health.