'But for the grace of God'

As it turns out, mental health unwellness isn’t especially uncommon, according to Baptist Behavioral Health Center LPC Supervisor Garrett Craven, M.Ed. In fact, the 23-career veteran asserts, the number of persons seeking treatment for mental health issues is higher now than he’s ever seen.

Whether more people are seeking treatment due to the prevalence of more mental health issues, or seeking mental health help because mental health help is more attainable now, Craven can’t be sure. But, whatever the reason for the uptick in people receiving mental health care, Craven said it’s refreshing to see patients take advantage of the health care they need.

“No one would think anything about going to a doctor for a heart attack,” Craven said. Seeking treatment for a mental health illness should be no different. “There is still quite a stigma attached to mental health – and to getting treatment for mental health. I’d say that’s one of the biggest barriers to treatment.”

Other barriers to mental health care treatment, Craven explained, include patient apprehensiveness to prescription side effects, ability to pay for treatment, uncertainty of how to obtain treatment, and – another big one – provider availability. Persons not experiencing severe mental illness quite often are required to wait substantial amounts of time before being able to connect to a provider.

“There’s a huge disparity,” Craven said, in the number of persons needing mental health treatment and the number of mental health providers on the job. The average wait in Southeast Texas, and throughout America, Craven said, is about two months.

“A lot can happen in two months,” Craven said of what can be a detrimental lag time in receiving mental health care. Relationships and physical health care suffer. Emotions intensify unabated. Desperation sets in. “It can lead to actions that involve police interaction, or people may self-medicate.

“It puts a strain on providers, and a strain on the community.”

Bleak and dire outcomes are not necessary, though. According to Craven, persons receiving the mental health care they need in a timely manner are almost always quickly stabilized. Through medication, therapy, links to continuing care providers and the like, Baptist Behavioral staff can usually see a drastic difference within 5 – 11 days, the typical stay duration for those presenting with severe mental health issues at the inpatient facility. For those experiencing milder mental health care issues, successful outcomes can be achieved even sooner.

“They have no idea what happens here,” Craven said of the mystique of his work as seen in the community. No one sees the music, the tranquil rooms to de-stress anxious patients, the exercise rooms, the basketball court, the moments of breakthrough with trusted health care providers. No one sees the regular people receiving regular treatment to the benefit of regular outcomes – which happens every single day. “They know what they see on TV and in the movies. And they’re scared.”

Craven and Baptist administration are working to make the center less scary, giving sight into the program through virtual tours and open houses. Similar in spirit to May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Craven is hoping that by sharing more of the mental health care process with the public at large, whatever negative stigmas attached to treatment can be alleviated.   

“The majority of mental health issues are able to be fully resolved,” he said. “Most things are episodic. Most people with behavioral health issues don’t have any more. They come here and learn new skills – and they never come back.”

Unfortunately, when Craven said: “They never come back,” he uses the phrase in two contexts. One – persons receiving mental health treatment are generally set to go on and live productive lives without the need for the Baptist Center anymore. Two – many people receiving treatment for mental health issues never socially recover due to unrealistic stigma associated with mental health treatment.

“The reality is, it’s hard for someone to come back,” Craven said. “It’s a lack of education. Successful people can have mental health illness. Smart people have mental health illness. Good people have mental health illness.”

Again, Craven emphasized, mental illness is as treatable as any other health issue. Just like many Americans are one paycheck from the very real threat of poverty or homelessness, untold masses are just one trauma or trigger from needing some mental health help – and that’s OK, because help is out there, and help works.

“It could be any of us,” Craven said, before reciting the proverb: “There, but for the grace of God, go I.”

“Behavioral health issues, mental illness, substance abuse … we see it span all walks of life, all ages, all professions,” Craven continued. “It’s an illness that doesn’t respect any boundaries.”

This article represents the second in a series throughout May Mental Health Awareness Month.

Help in your hand

* Local Crisis Line: Call 409-838-1818 to be connected to the Spindletop Center Crisis Team.

* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255.  The Lifeline is a
national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

* Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990. The national Disaster
Distress Helpline is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

* Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor.

* The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. A confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.

* Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Connect with qualified responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

* National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can text LOVEIS to 22522. For victims and survivors who need support.

* Crisis Center of Southeast Texas: Call 1-800-793-2273 for support if you are a
victim of sexual assault.

* Treatment Referral Routing Service: Call 1-800-662-4357. Confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Source: Mental Health America of Southeast Texas