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How Mental Illness Can Affect All Aspects of Your Life

Mental Illness

Are you suffering from mental illness? Mental illness falls under a broad spectrum of diagnoses ranging from depression to generalized anxiety disorder. Your first step in finding out about what’s going on and how to come up with a successful treatment plan starts with seeing a health care professional. But what if you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover mental health care. There are a lot of resources that are free or low-cost, that are available to qualified individuals—but only if you qualify financially. Here are a few ways of how mental health issues can target your pocketbook, and what you can do to find a solution.

You Can Lose Your Job

job

Missing work because you are having a panic attack or suicidal thoughts can turn into more than just an isolated event. Several incidents can make your employer wonder and ultimately choose that you may not be the best employee for the position. This can leave a bad impression on your employer and you as well. It can lead to a bad employment reference and ultimately, make it impossible to get future gainful employment. If you’re working, you may realize that your private insurance may not have a lot of options for mental health care, or they may not accept your type of insurance. Should you lose your job, you may have more access to non-profit organizations and state-funded medical centers that accept low-income patients. But what does Medicaid cover in regards to mental health help? Some examples include:

  • A professional psychological evaluation and recommendation.
  • A free health screening to rule out underlying medical problems.
  • Counseling sessions with a psychiatrist and therapist.
  • Coping suggestions and closed-door sessions with a licensed social worker.
  • Group therapy sessions and referrals to community outreach programs.

You must qualify financially for Medicaid and it’s a state and government funded program. If you’ve lost your job and your health insurance, your first step is applying online at Healthcare.gov or visit your local social service organization to fill out an application.

Makes It Hard to Forge Lasting Relationships

Mental illness can also destroy personal relationships. Failed promises, lack of commitments and missing important dates and events can tear away at close friendships and relationships with loved ones. Staying at home because you’re dealing with a bipolar episode, rather than going to a dinner date or sporting event that was preplanned will make it less likely your friend will call you back for a future get together. If you feel like you’re suffering from bipolar or schizophrenia, you need to get diagnosed. From there, you may be able to apply for disability and eventually get Medicare insurance. Disability insurance or Medicare covers most mental illness treatment regimens completely. Depending on whether you get Medicaid or Medicare, all of your prescriptions and doctors visits may be completely covered or you’ll just have to pay small co-pay.

Turning to Substance Abuse for Coping

Abuse

Struggling with a personality disorder or depression can make coping with daily life challenging or impossible. In some cases, natural remedies may not be enough. You may turn to binge drinking or illicit drug use as a way to numb to pain. Before you know it, you’re mixing this with prescription pills or other drugs—which can be life-threatening and definitely life-altering. Now is the time to see help. Use your Medicaid or Medicare insurance coverage to enrol in a drug rehabilitation program. Most private and public hospitals and clinics accept state and government-funded insurance plans. Use your insurance to get the proper care you need so you can make a complete recovery and help get your mental illness under control.

Makes Personal Growth Difficult

Are you avoiding college or applying for a corporate job because of your mental illness? Are you worried others will judge you because of your appearance? Suffering from a mental condition like body dysmorphic disorder can trigger anxiety and feelings of isolation. Get past your fears with professional help from a psychologist trained in eating disorders. You may have to receive some inpatient treatment to regulate your hormones and get the nutrition you need. Most insurance, such as Medicaid, will cover inpatient hospitalization as well as outpatient therapies that can help you recover safely from your mental health issues.

Mental health plagues millions of Americans. There is help available through government and state-funded insurance programs. Get assistance today and take back your life.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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