Lately, news about a mental-health crisis brewing in the U.S. is in the spotlight. I live in an urban-rich college town; and, know the need is greater than the provision; namely because of the stigma attached to needing help; and, the lack of funding for mental-health services; and the lack of financial means most have for care.
As noted in my bio, I am trained in pastoral care. I often mentor people in anonymity. If a person can't afford to pay for services, taking some time while sitting on a park bench to spark and nurture a conversation which helps the person emerge feeling better, with a sense of clarity that all problems have solutions is worth my time. Most people are not in crisis mode; but, simply seeking encouragement that their choices make sense. Offering encouragement is a spiritual matter which does not require a Ph.D. Congress would do well to legislate that lay people have more rights to serve the community within their realm of training. However, political wheels turn slowly, and, unfortunately, hurting people can't wait another two decades or more for change. The skill of listening with a third ear is a God-gift; and, professional training serves to sharpen it.
The link below leads to an article that will break your heart. Psychotic breaks in young people are more common than you might imagine. I have on several occasions sat with young women in the treacherous 20s go from looking like they have it all together, to full tears within minutes of an informal session. This is where the healing begins; a purging of sorts.
Unfortunately, most formal counseling sessions, as college educations, are out of range for most everyday people to afford. Formal counseling usually involves powerful Big-Pharma synthetic drugs that numb the root of the problem instead of addressing it head on. Please know that I am not totally against the use of drugs to help in psychiatric care. However, I am convinced; based on consistent research that it is too often the first resort.
Life stressors can usually be contained with ordering the identified chaos. Most everyday problems usually have doable solutions when properly defined. However, when you ingest an aid that hinders the ability to focus on, and acknowledge the real problem, the spiral of roller-coaster healing begins.
I have talked to dozens of college-aged women who are overwhelmed by life. I have watched them get through these years and thrive. Some temporarily went the way of SSRI inhibitors; which most later acknowledged made them feel far less in control of life than the pastoral approach that offered reasonable discussion as to why their life might be out of sorts.
There's a cry for help in our young people. For most, hope is not going to be found in a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). For others, their solution will be found amongst the countless treatments for the seeming countless disorders. Most academically bright young people simply need an empathic person to come along side and advise them that their choices are their own; not pressures put-upon by family and peers.
Unfortunately, many trained and adept counselors are boxed out of the job-market because they choose the ministerial path instead of the secular track requiring licensure and doctorates. Someday, perhaps citizens will protest such mockery. Passing a test, and earning highest academic degrees no more equips one to help another heal, than a teacher passing a test proves the compassion needed to work with precious youth. While education is imperative, inner-compassion is equally so. My heart goes out to those struggling today with a need for help. I'm here, no fees required, if you just want to chat a while. If you're over my 'pay-grade' I will let you know, and make referrals as needed. Prayers and blessings.
All said for now, here's the link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-demons-got-my-beautiful-loving-daughter/2015/04/20/cdaaa338-dfc2-11e4-a1b8-2ed88bc190d2_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop_b
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