This really is interesting. According to this article, Utah has the highest incidence of mental illness in the United States. Here is the link to the article: http://bit.ly/1dF3lMB The number of those living with any level of illness is 22.3%. The number living with severe mental illness is "near the top" with 5.14%. The most important number, at least to me, is this one: Of those needing treatment because of having a serious and chronic mental illness, only 62.9% receive that treatment. That means that approximately 38% don't get treatment. So, what does this mean for Utah?
First of all, it means that Utah is faced with some pretty serious challenges. When mental illness goes untreated, suicide is a possible outcome. People coping with mental illness aren't living in an optimal manner. Mental illness can impact social service costs, healthcare costs, families, homelessness, and crime statistics. People may have difficulty getting or maintaining employment. In short, the ripples from mental illness may show up in a variety of areas. It doesn't lead to stability for the state of Utah.
What does it say about the state of Utah? I'm not sure. I have no idea why the numbers are higher than other areas of the United States. Does it have something to do with a lack of early intervention? What impact does the political atmosphere and cultural factors have? Is it simply because too many people are diagnosed? I don't know. I've never lived in Utah. But I don't think that determining the "cause" is as important as coming up with a response.
The primary goal for Utah should be the creation of a variety of support systems and services designed to meet the needs of all citizens requiring help. This system should function in a cohesive manner. Services should be readily available at every level of need. There should be opportunities to educate families about mental health. Wellness should be the goal. And at the bottom of it all, stigma should be eradicated. What do you think about all this? How can Utah address the reality of their numbers? Let me know what you think!
First of all, it means that Utah is faced with some pretty serious challenges. When mental illness goes untreated, suicide is a possible outcome. People coping with mental illness aren't living in an optimal manner. Mental illness can impact social service costs, healthcare costs, families, homelessness, and crime statistics. People may have difficulty getting or maintaining employment. In short, the ripples from mental illness may show up in a variety of areas. It doesn't lead to stability for the state of Utah.
What does it say about the state of Utah? I'm not sure. I have no idea why the numbers are higher than other areas of the United States. Does it have something to do with a lack of early intervention? What impact does the political atmosphere and cultural factors have? Is it simply because too many people are diagnosed? I don't know. I've never lived in Utah. But I don't think that determining the "cause" is as important as coming up with a response.
The primary goal for Utah should be the creation of a variety of support systems and services designed to meet the needs of all citizens requiring help. This system should function in a cohesive manner. Services should be readily available at every level of need. There should be opportunities to educate families about mental health. Wellness should be the goal. And at the bottom of it all, stigma should be eradicated. What do you think about all this? How can Utah address the reality of their numbers? Let me know what you think!
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