The Human Cost of the Economic Crisis

A crisis, any crisis, increases demand for mental health resources among the population.

Here we are, not only in the midst of a global financial meltdown, but with fewer and fewer resources for taking care of the people who need help.

Already Bay Area residents are concerned about growing homelessness and crime on the streets. Psychotherapists are confirming what we already suspected: financial problems are creating a high-stress environment, and this is showing up in different ways: domestic violence, street crime, alcoholism, and countless other problems.

In October 2008, 83 percent of American women and 78 percent of men were reportedly, agonizing over money. Since then, numbers have gone much higher.

But as the need for mental health care rises, the available budget for health in families is going down. What this means is that people need the therapist a lot more, but are visiting them a lot less.

With lay-offs continuing, there are also going to be fewer doctors available to people who need healthcare.

What does this mean for Bay Area residents?

Exactly what is the health price we'll pay for this economic crisis?

What can be done to divert a health crisis, especially concerning mental health issues?

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