Early Death and Mental Health Issues
People with mental illness die younger than the general population as do people with addiction to substances. The causes of early death are many, and it’s complicated. Until we give mental health and substance use disorders the attention that it deserves as a public health issue, many more people will die early unnecessarily.
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) reported the average age of death for people with:
· Mental Health Disorders – 57.5 years
· Substance Use Disorders – 43.2 years
· Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders – 40.6 years
· General Population – 71.7 years
This is a stark difference between the general population and those with mental health and substance use disorders.
We are all responsible for this. It’s a systemic problem that needs all of us working together to develop long-term, comprehensive solutions. I certainly don’t know all the answers. With the two recent deaths at our local detention center, some of the problems have come to the forefront, and now more than ever, we need to work together.
Mental health and substance use disorders are brain diseases. It is a public health issue, not a moral issue. We need to shift our perspective on this so we can make changes. We have consistently used the prison system as our long-term mental health system and the emergency room as our short-term system.
The question is: What can we do about it?
· All of us need to understand more about these brain diseases so that it is no longer viewed as a moral issue. Active learning helps to increase awareness and end apathy.
· We need adequate health care for mental health and substance abuse disorders.
· We need to work collaboratively together on a local and state level to comprehensively understand the resources available and the gaps so we can fill those gaps.
· We need to vote and advocate on local, state and federal levels to provide adequate funding for mental health care. Oklahoma continues to be one of the lowest states in investing money in mental health care. Contact our legislators and let them know how important this is. They need to know how we have been impacted personally and on community and state levels. Make an appointment to visit them at their office.
· Communicate with local leaders. Invite them to coffee. Join a coalition to address the issues.
There are many things that we can do that will be discovered when we start coming together, talking about it, finding solutions and advocating for change. Until then, it will be the same old, same old and people will die untimely deaths. Families’ and friends’ hearts will be broken. Our communities will feel the impact emotionally, spiritually and financially. The deal is recovery is possible. We all have a part in this. Let’s work together with dedicated focus, collaboration and investment. Things will change and lives will be saved.
Some resources that may be helpful to better understanding:
https://www.healthymindspolicy.org/
http://www.oklegislature.gov/findmylegislature.aspx
Teresa Collado, MHR, is the executive director of The Virtue Center, a United Way of Norman Partner agency and funded in part by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. Their mission is to be a place of help and hope for people facing addiction and mental health challenges. For more information, contact 405-321-0022 or visit www.thevirtuecenter.org.
Written by Teresa Collado