Watch for the economic downturn's impact on mental health, too

All the talk about an economic downturn always seems to come down to dollars and cents. But what about its impact on sanity and common sense?

Mental health professionals worry about how the economic downturn and its far-reaching impact on employment, housing and costs of food and gas are affecting many individuals and their families. The resulting financial stress, especially if jobs are lost, can greatly impact mental health by exacerbating an existing condition or giving rise to an illness, such as depression or anxiety, they say.

As a result, the demand for mental health services is increasing, while state and federal resources needed to ensure delivery of these services continue to be insufficient.

Debra Wentz, chief executive officer of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies Inc., said people who receive mental health treatment "are motivated and able to continue their education and pursue other goals. They are truly inspirational and a profound testament to the value of mental health services,”

“The state and federal governments must provide sufficient funding to ensure that individuals receive needed services and, therefore, have the opportunity to pursue and achieve their goals," she said. "Not only would governmental support enable individuals with mental illnesses to turn their lives around; it would also yield significant savings, which we need, especially in these difficult economic times.”

She said awareness is the first step—not only for individuals who may experience mental illnesses or know others with mental health disorders, but also for political leaders whose support through funding and legislation is vital.

“On a personal level, it is critical to recognize the signs of mental illnesses so that accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment can be obtained. Like any disease, the sooner mental illnesses are identified, the sooner treatment can begin and the more effective it could be,” Wentz said.