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Since we’re about to hit reset on THE GOVERNMENT that controls the MONEY that largely informs (and responds to) our PRIORITIES, it’s a good time to make the case for making mental health as actionable as any other public health measure.
Currently, it’s all crisis intervention and no prevention. As @PJK4brainhealth says in #LastDay: “We don’t have a mental health perception of hygiene. We put stock in wearing masks and washing hands but we need to take that template and apply it to ‘How are we mentally healthy?’
“...getting enough sleep, eating right, not spending too much time on tech, connecting to family and friends in meaningful ways, exercise, therapy. These are things I believe in years to come are going to be second nature. But...how many people have to suffer before we do?”
Unnecessary illness and death define our current version of reality. But it’s an extreme case of what’s always been. Look at suicide and overdose rates. If we want people to thrive (not just survive), we must create a life *worth* living.
. @JanisWhitlock of @jedfoundation says: “Suicide prevention has nothing to do w/ suicide prevention. It's about making sure people have adequate access to the things that promote wanting to live: health care, jobs, education...
...the kinds of things that get people up in the morning and get them excited about life. That's the best form of suicide prevention that exists on the planet.”
Look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
If we don’t have basics like food, water, shelter, sleep, we won’t ever reach our full potential or “self-actualization,” much less self-esteem, respect, intimacy, friendships, an overall feeling of safety and security.
It all has to work together, but it never has for all.
It all has to work together, but it never has for all.
Back to @PJK4brainhealth: “If the health care budget doesn't care what the housing budget is and the housing budget doesn't care what the health care budget is, then there's never going to be alignment.
...If you increase the housing budget for people with severe and persistent mental illness, you provide one of the most important medical interventions for the health care budget that you can provide.”
Fun fact: Maslow’s pyramid was inspired by his work with the Blackfeet tribe. Native Americans & Alaskan Natives have *much* to teach us about upstream intervention and more. Listen to today’s #LastDay, "Suicide Prevention Has Nothing to Do with Suicide Prevention," for more.
