HeartDesires Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 I hear so many LS members on these boards say they can't afford to go see a therapist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or counselor...I feel sad about this. Because here we have psychiatrists. They diagnose, perform therapy, and prescribe meds if/when needed. All of it covered by our excellent healthcare system. It makes me wonder how many mentally ill people in the world are walking around sick, un-medicated, and in desperate need of the help they deserve. Thoughts? 2
Maleficent Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 Excellent health care system? In Canada? It's free but far from excellent...especially when it comes to mental health care.
Maleficent Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 Well your location is Vancouver. Canada's healthcare is excellent only when you have a life threatening illness. Anything else can wait two- three years. Mental illness in Canada = you can get all the meds you want for very cheap. That's not excellent healthcare
Author HeartDesires Posted July 27, 2013 Author Posted July 27, 2013 Has this been your personal experience?
Maleficent Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 More than half of the homeless people have mental illnesses. If our health care system was so excellent, it wouldn't be the case.
Author HeartDesires Posted July 28, 2013 Author Posted July 28, 2013 I am glad you mentioned the homelessness issue...that is a problem in most major cities including my own. Polls taken yearly to count the number of people living on the street indicate that many say that's where they feel "safe" ??!?...even though there are several resources available to them. I'm concerned about those with mental disorders that affect them deeply, and they understand that. They want help but can't afford it.
broknheart13 Posted July 29, 2013 Posted July 29, 2013 I totally agree. When I went through issues in the past and sought out counseling, it helped me so much and luckily my insurance made it a little more affordable. However, now that I'm in need of a counselor to help deal with the break-up from a long-term relationship and my current insurance doesn't cover it, I can't afford it because sessions are $60-$80! That's a lot of money for just an hour session. It would take me 10 sessions to go over whats happened and another 10 to actually benefit from the sessions/advice!
FitChick Posted July 29, 2013 Posted July 29, 2013 Learn to meditate. It's free or the cost of a used meditation CD on amazon.com.
SpiralOut Posted July 30, 2013 Posted July 30, 2013 If you need someone to talk to, google distress center or crisis line in your city to see if there is a number to call. Where I live, there is a phone line that offers emotional support to anyone who needs it. They aren't counsellors and they can't give advice, but if you need to get something off your chest they are good for that. I've had to call them while I was in-between counselling sessions.
Lani Posted July 30, 2013 Posted July 30, 2013 I think one of the main issues here is that these people don't really want help.] They need it, and they claim to want it, but if they really did they would find a way. As SpiralOut says there are free helplines everywhere to help deal with this type of scenario, and I know in my country (Australia) you can be put on a free mental health program by your GP. It starts with people making the firm decision they want help. It's there for everyone, they just need to find it.
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