Hey there, mental health enthusiasts and curious minds alike! Let’s dive into the labyrinth of the American mental health care system—a realm steeped in a complex history of oppression, bias, and inequalities. Buckle up as we unravel the layers of its past and glimpse into its current state.
Imagine this: a time when the mental health care system wasn’t a beacon of support and healing but rather a tool of oppression. Yes, you read that right. Throughout history, this system has been entangled with prejudices that seeped into its very foundations.
In the archives of diagnostic manuals like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), you’ll stumble upon terms like ‘drapetomania,’ a so-called mental illness pathologizing enslaved individuals who attempted to escape, or ‘hysteria,’ a diagnosis predominantly applied to women that did not adhere to rigid gender roles. And let’s not forget the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder until shockingly recent times.
Fast forward to the present, and the legacy of this biased history still lingers. Unequal access to quality mental health care persists, starkly evident in the disproportionate misdiagnoses of Black individuals with conditions like schizophrenia or oppositional defiant disorder due to systemic biases among providers. Many providers are not taught about racism and its effects on mental health, so when a patient describes racist incidents when they are followed around in a department store, for example, they label the patient as simply paranoid—-a symptom of schizophrenia, or simply lacking respect for authority—a symptom of oppositional defiant disorder. “Gender Dysphoria” is a mental illness classified within the current edition of the DSM, as pathologizing non hetereo-sexualities is the only way for those that experience psychological distress due to discovering this part of themselves to get care via insurance. Finally, it is still very common for women’s issues to be dismissed by providers due to political polarization.
Abuse within psychiatric facilities remains an unfortunate reality, often shrouded in silence. The American Psychological Association, the governing body of mental health care in the U.S., has been criticized for its sluggish responses to these pressing issues, leaving many feeling unheard and unsupported. In my own personal experience, I was severely discouraged from seeking a master’s degree in a mental health related field because when I was researching graduate schools, all of the facilities they sent students to do field work at were awash with employee complaints about patient abuse. I found these complaints on popular employment sites like Glassdoor and Indeed in 2021.
Further, let’s talk money. The current mental health care system is very profitable, which is why there is very slow reform taking place. The pharmaceutical industry rakes in billions, and while medications can be beneficial, their rampant use often raises eyebrows. Therapy is also very expensive, usually costing hundreds per session. While insurance can cover costs, the practices of insurance companies tend to uphold the more abusive and exploitative aspects of mental health care.
Are there other effective alternatives? Absolutely! The World Health Organization champions a pyramid framework emphasizing self-care and informal community support as crucial components of mental health care. However, the American Psychological Association has made very little effort in aligning their practices with this framework.
Here’s the bombshell: just like other systems, such as the prison industrial complex or capitalism, the mental health care landscape can be exploitative, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. But fear not! Knowledge is power, and understanding our rights and options can be our shield.
Empowerment comes from education. Learning about mental health and illness equips us to navigate this system, helping us find the best resources and advocate for ourselves. It’s crucial not to trust a single mental health practitioner blindly but to seek varied perspectives and options that align with our needs and values.
Remember, mental health care is a necessity, but acknowledging its flaws is key to protecting ourselves and others. Self-care, community support, and informed choices are powerful tools on our journey toward holistic well-being.
So, here’s to shining a light on the shadows of mental health care history and paving a path toward a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering future! Keep exploring, stay informed, and let’s continue this conversation together.