MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

We are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis in the United States today. Studies show extraordinary numbers of people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, with a shocking 17% of the total population now taking prescription medication to treat these disorders. Coping attempts through self-medication, most notably with drugs and alcohol, have led to an epidemic of addictions, including a system of social media products that feed off these addictive behaviors. Suicide rates have increased dramatically since the 1940s, particularly among young people, and the trend has only escalated in the last 15 years.

Looking beyond the medical diagnoses, we see that increasing numbers of people in the United States feel a loss of community, greater isolation, and loneliness. Research in political science and interpersonal neurobiology indicates that individualism and competition—dominant themes in our culture—are directly correlated with increasing rates of mental illness. Social capital is the biggest factor associated with positive mental health—even more significant than healthcare access. Political scientist Robert Putnam defines social capital as “connections among individuals—social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them.”

In this difficult time, many seek mental health support from professionally trained psychotherapists or social workers. The work of these professionals is more essential than ever, given the tremendous need of this moment. However, the cost of these services makes them inaccessible to many. Moreover, even when individuals are fortunate enough to access them, the existing model, which typically provides one hour a week with a professional, is not enough to address many individuals’ needs. It does not build a community that can expand our capacity to meet each other's needs.