Unfulfilled Mental Health Needs – Breaking the Cycle of Unmet Needs in Children
Introduction
As the mental health crisis among youth grows, so does the need for adequate care, yet many children still remain without the help they so desperately require. Mental health services are stretched thin as youth struggling with depression, self-harm and other issues are unable to access support, leaving them trapped in a vicious cycle of unfulfilled needs.
Unavailability of Mental Health Services
Young people with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are chronically underserved due to a lack of mental health resources. Mental health services are limited or unavailable in many cities and rural areas and, when they are available, there is often long wait times. This is especially true in poorer areas where access to mental health care is especially sparse.
Unaffordability of Mental Health Services
Even when mental health services are more widely available, many families still find the costs to be too high. Mental health services can be costly, and often, insurance companies offer little coverage for such services. This is particularly troublesome for low-income families who cannot afford to cover the cost of medical services on their own and are thus unable to access care.
Conclusion
The shortage of mental health resources, combined with the high cost of such services, has created a growing crisis among youth who are struggling with mental health issues. Without access to care, these children are left in a cycle of unmet needs. It is essential for governments and other organizations to work to expand the availability of mental health services and make them more affordable so that everyone, no matter their economic standing, can access the help they need.