Experts already recognize that treating severe mental illness among young people is a problem in the state. But kids showing signs of pandemic-related isolation, depression and other conditions also struggle to find help.
Mental health in Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A child mental-health fix takes early action, more help. Here are 7 ideas.
More psychologists and social workers in schools. Early screening. Loan forgiveness for child psychiatrists serving rural areas. Fixing a strained system will take time. But COVID stimulus funds can speed up efforts across the Midwest.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Emergency rooms confront ‘tidal wave of sadness’ among young patients
Hospital ERs are being upended by a surge of children and adolescents in mental distress during COVID. Staff bring in snacks or queue up Netflix to keep them occupied as they seek beds in psychiatric centers. Private insurance can make the task harder.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Mental health crisis: Children at breaking point during COVID
Across the Midwest, there are not nearly enough psychiatrists, therapists or direct-care staff to treat a rising tide of young people spiraling into crisis. For these families, the strain can seem unbearable.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan can’t fill mental health jobs amid COVID. These ideas could help.
From psychiatrists to counselors to direct care workers, health agencies are unable to fill jobs as depression and substance abuse cases increase. Some state and federal programs could help nudge more doctors and therapists to underserved regions of the state.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
With higher suicide risk during coronavirus, Michigan makes plans to help
Mental health advocates highlight a rise in anxiety from the pandemic and economic disruption in Michigan, as experts devise ways to help health care workers and ordinary residents in an extraordinary time.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Sheriff’s plea on mentally ill prisoner reveals gap in Michigan treatment
An Upper Peninsula sheriff went to Facebook to get state help for a delusional man in his jail. His post highlights severe shortages in the state for violent or severely mentally ill people caught up in the criminal justice system.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
For new Michigan moms with postpartum depression, where to turn for help
Postpartum depression afflicts about one in seven moms. Diagnosis and treatment lag, especially among low-income, African-American and Latino mothers. Here’s a primer on where to turn.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A Detroit foster child considered suicide. Then Western Michigan called.
Hundreds of foster children have found support and triumph through a scholarship program tailored to foster kids at WMU. For one young woman, the program may have saved her life.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michiganders: Take this test for childhood trauma
In one survey, nearly 1 in 5 Michigan adults answered “yes” to at least four of these questions about traumatic events from their youth.