The ScottyDontX Show
Solving for "X" - every day.
I am in the process of building a podcast from scratch, adding to it one step at a time, one day at a time.
Since there was no show preparation, no written script, and no market research, let's categorize this first one as comedy-improv.
Because, with me or at me, someone will find a reason to laugh.
The ScottyDontX Show
Episode #11 - Scotty Dont ignore the past or the progress - "Mental Health Care from the '80s to Today"
What if the way we approached mental health care in the past was fundamentally flawed? Join me on the Scotty Don't X Show as I take on my best NPR impression to explore the dramatic evolution of mental health care from the 1980s to today. We'll uncover the dark days when stigma was rampant, and mental health discussions were taboo, to our current era where open conversations and teletherapy are becoming the norm. This episode promises an insightful journey through time, offering a deep understanding of both the progress we've made and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Step back into the '80s, a time when deinstitutionalization left many without support, and treatment options were scarce. Fast forward to today, where mental health is increasingly recognized as essential to overall wellness. Public figures are sharing their stories, and movements like #BellLetsTalk are breaking down barriers. Yet, despite these advances, access to care and lingering stigma remain significant hurdles. Tune in to hear this compelling narrative and understand why integrated care models and teletherapy are reshaping the mental health landscape.
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No, I don't hate Balboa, but I pity the fool and I will destroy any man who tries to take what I got. Thank you for connecting to your AOL internet account to hear this latest episode of the Scotty Don't X Show. This is episode 11, and I've always wanted to try something. Buckle in true believers. You won't believe this stunt. Good day, and today I will be presenting my thoughts as if I'm your NPR host in a calm, measured and thoughtfully smart way. And today we're exploring a topic that touches so many of us, whether directly or indirectly mental health care. Specifically, we'll be taking a look back at mental health care in the 1980s and comparing it to where we are today, 40 years later. It's a story of progress, challenges and evolving understanding, but one that also highlights how far we still have to go.
Speaker 1:In the 1980s, mental health care was well, let's just say, a different landscape. It was a time when terms like therapy and mental illness carried heavy stigma. People weren't having open conversations about anxiety, depression or trauma. Seeking help was often seen as a last resort. It wasn't something you discussed at the dinner table or on your social media feed Well, we didn't have the social media yet but you know what I mean.
Speaker 1:The 1980s saw the rise of what we now call the institutionalization movement. Large psychiatric hospitals, which had been the primary mode of care for many, were being closed down. This was supposed to be a shift towards more community-based care, but in many cases there wasn't enough infrastructure to support people once these hospitals were gone. As a result, many individuals with mental illnesses ended up homeless, incarcerated or lost in a system that wasn't equipped to help them. Back then, treatment options were more limited. We didn't have the vast array of medications and therapies that exist today. Antidepressants like Prozac were only just coming into the scene in the late 80s. Therapy, if people could afford it, often meant traditional psychoanalysts or basic counseling, and for many, mental health issues were met with a dismissive, just snap out of it attitude.
Speaker 1:Fast forward to 2024, and the picture is thankfully, quite different. For one. We talk about mental health now Openly, publicly. Celebrities, athletes, politicians they're all discussing their struggles with mental health. Social media, podcasts and movements like hashtag bell, let's talk or hashtag mental health awareness month have made it clear this is not something to be ashamed of. It's part of being human.
Speaker 1:Our understanding of mental health has also grown. We've come to see mental health as integral to our overall well-being. We don't think of it in terms of illness, but in terms of wellness. Therapy has become more accessible, though still not as accessible as it should be for many, and we've seen the rise of teletherapy, which allows people to access care from the comfort of their own homes. In the aftermath of the pandemic, this shift was crucial for many who couldn't otherwise access in-person services. But perhaps one of the biggest changes is how we've begun to integrate mental health into other areas of health care.
Speaker 1:In the 80s, mental and physical health were treated as completely separate. Today we recognize that mental health impacts physical health and vice versa. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work alongside doctors, are becoming more common. Of course, it's not all perfect. We've made strides, but many challenges remain. Access to care, especially in underserved communities, is still a major issue. The cost of therapy and medication can be prohibitively expensive for many Americans, and while the stigma has lessened, it hasn't disappeared. Some communities still face cultural or societal barriers to seeking help, and mental health care systems can still feel overburdened and underfunded. But when we look at where we were in the 80s, it's clear We've made progress. We've moved from a place where mental health care was an afterthought to a time where it's increasingly seen as essential. We're asking more questions, we're demanding better solutions and we're understanding that mental health is health.
Speaker 1:End of story. Well, that was an interesting experiment. I've rolled back the tape and, yeah, I don't think I would pass for an NPR anchor. However, afterwards I did a search and NPR offers three tips for training your voice and other training on how to be a radio person on YouTube. Interesting, I think I'm going to need to check those out before I make another run. This is not NPR. Thanks for listening to another episode of the Scotty Don't X Show. More to come.