It is now more important than ever to recognize and draw attention to the informed diagnosis, treatment, and equitable access to mental healthcare.
Mental health impacts the practice of family law every day, especially in divorce and custody cases. Divorce can be one of the most difficult periods in an individual's life. Whether mental illness is already present or not, mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, anger management and the ability to cope often arise during the process. We strive to be cognizant of the role of mental health in our practice and regularly consult and refer to community therapists for resources, guidance and education.
Facts on Mental Illness according to the Mental Health Foundation:
• 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness
• Almost 1 in 25 adults live with a serious mental illness
• 50% of chronic mental illness start before 14 years of age
• 75% of chronic mental illness start by age 24
• 25.8% (96 million) people have experienced waiting periods of more than a week for the right mental health care
• 25% of people have been faced with making a decision between daily necessities and paying for mental health care
• 46% either know someone who has, or they themselves have had to travel for more than an hour to get to and from recent appointments for mental health care
• 76% believe that their mental health is equally as important as their physical health
• 52% of those in need of mental health care have tried to tough it out instead of seeking appropriate mental health care
• 46% would not know where to go to get mental health care for themselves or for someone else unless they had previously sought treatment.
More information and resources here: https://mentalhealthfoundation.org/
You are enough and you are not alone. We see, hear and support you. It's ok to not be ok.