I've been thinking about how society views mental illness and whether there are really enough resources for people in need.

I was reading an article today in our local paper about how 1/3 of the homeless in Vancouver suffer from a mental illness or disorder.  For years people out here have talked about the controversial closing of a local mental hospital which resulted in a large number of patients ending up on the streets.  Its just so sad to me how some people still view homelessness…that "those" people are all just drug addicts or screw ups….when in reality a lot of them are very sick and others can be successfully treated but dont have the help they need.

I remember being very frustrated when I applied for disability benefits b/c I had to quit my job b/c of my anxiety.  I was told I did not qualify b/c I had not worked enough hours in my life.  It felt frustrating that b/c I had gone to university and not held a full time job I was told they could not help me.  Luckily I have a wonderful mom who lets me live with her rent free and takes care of me financially while I am getting better.  Without her assistance I honestly do not know how I would pay the bills.

Also lets be honest….getting help can be very expensive.  My therapist costs 100 bucks each session…and my insurance wont cover it b/c he is a counsellor instead of a psychiatrist.  I was lucky enough to take a group therapy program for free at the hospital but free means waiting lists….most people wait about 6 months to even get into the program.  Valuable time when you are suffering.

So thats it for my rant today.  I am just sad about how few cost effective resources there are for people.  How little the government helps people who suffer from mental illness and disorders.  Just seems to me that a lot of people are still scared to honestly and openly talk about these problems in society.  Hopefully one day talking about mental illness will no longer will "taboo".