Shared Links (weekly) May 14, 2023

It’s a difficult question. Yes, the medicaid program requires there to be mental health programs in place, especially for kids, so that calling 911 isn’t the only option. But how can you develop that kind of program when this is also true? A shortage of doctors in the state has meant long wait times that…

Again, I get that this sounds ridiculous to talk about an individual’s mental health in terms of what they offer in terms of productivity, and not in terms of them just being a human being and having value.

It sounds ridiculous because it is ridiculous. But, it is also the language of business. Look, your employer only started offering things like flu shots and health screenings because sick employees don’t get much work done, and cost more in insurance premiums, not because the company suddenly started caring about having healthy employees. That’s the reality.

It would be nice if employers did these things, and wanted to also invest in mental health resources, just because it’s the best thing for all of us as individuals and as a society, and likely some employers do. Others won’t get involved until it benefits them.

So, we speak to them in the language they understand. Because we need the money, the “investment”, now. We can’t wait for the whole world to agree that they need to do it because it’s the right thing to do.

Too many people will go without while we wait for the perfect solution. We have to take the imperfect for now.