The Science of Aging Well: How Your Beliefs Affect Your Health
Lack of Affordable Care
Perhaps the most significant barrier to mental healthcare is simply the lack of access. Many who suffer may not be able to afford mental health services, either due to a lack of health insurance or to limitations in coverage.
If affordability is a concern, however, there are several alternatives. Telehealth services, for instance, are often significantly more affordable than traditional, in-office care. Many Telehealth service providers offer fee-per-service payment options.
You may also be able to access care at reduced cost either through your company’s employee assistance program or through special services offered by local, state, and federal governments. Many Medicare and Medicaid programs, for instance, offer coverage for both in-person and virtual mental health care.
Lack of Accessibility
Whether you are experiencing mental or physical health challenges, or both, you may find it difficult, if not impossible, to access in-person care. You may be unable to arrange for reliable transportation to and from appointments, or health challenges may make it inconvenient, unsafe, or simply unfeasible to leave your home.
Once again, this is where Telehealth services can be a tremendous benefit. And you don’t necessarily need a computer or high-speed internet to get it. If you have a smartphone, you can access mental healthcare with the simple touch of a button. There is a wide variety of apps that allow you to connect at low or no cost with mental health professionals, support groups, and mental health forums.
Best of all, these services are available on-demand, so that you can get the help you need, both by video conference and text message, anytime and anywhere you need it.
Lack of Motivation
When you are grappling with mental health challenges, it can be difficult to find the motivation you need to seek help. Despite increasing awareness of the prevalence of mental illness and regardless of ongoing efforts to reduce its stigma, stereotypes, unfortunately, persist.
And for someone who is already battling anxiety, depression, or trauma, taking that all-important step to admitting you need help can feel overwhelming, even paralyzing. If you are feeling helpless or hopeless, you may find it hard to muster the motivation to take care of yourself by seeking the care you need.
But when you can’t find the motivation you need within yourself, you may well be able to find it in someone or something you love. And one of the best sources of motivation and inspiration is the unconditional love of a pet.
Loving and caring for a companion animal has been shown to substantially help in the recovery of those with mental illness. Not only do pets decrease loneliness, anxiety, and depression in humans, but they also help their pet parents cultivate a healthier lifestyle.
After all, pets need care, from feeding to daily walks and exercise. And the more active you become in caring for your pet, the more likely you will be to engage in other healthful behaviors, such as tending to your mental health. Besides, you owe it not only to yourself to get healthy but also to the sweet little fur baby who loves and relies on you!
The Takeaway
It’s not always easy to access the mental health help you need and deserve. You may have to overcome many difficult barriers, from affordability to access to motivation. But in the end, getting help no matter what stands in your way will be more than worthwhile as you finally step into the healthy and happy life you deserve.
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