Brevard needs to talk about mental health
- In 2016, 17% of people in Brevard County were diagnosed with depression – in 2019, it rose to 24.3%.
- In the survey, 27% of respondents said that their mental health is “fair” or “poor.” That compares to 13.4% nationally.
- As a resident of Brevard, I have seen more than just mental health issues. I’ve lived my share of them, too.
When I learned that FLORIDA TODAY was looking for a reporter to cover mental health issues, I knew it in my gut.
I was meant for this role. And Editor-in-Chief Mara Bellaby saw it too.
I was an alcoholic for decades. Fortunately, that chapter is over – but I have to fight it, every day. I also still have my mental health issues. So, this song is one of my favorites. I started reading about local health screenings and research, and it’s clear: Brevard County has a lot of mental health issues. We need to talk about it – and do something about it.
Brevard scores worse than Florida, US mental health needs
Twenty-seven percent of respondents to Space Coast Health’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment said their mental health was “fair” or “poor.” That compares to 13.4% nationally.
Also, 32.2% of Brevard adults have been diagnosed with depression by a health care provider. It is higher than the entire state of Florida, which is 17.7%, as well as 20.6% of the state, according to the 2022 report.
This continues to be a top trend in Brevard, too. In 2016, 17% of Brevardians were diagnosed with depression – in 2019, that had risen to 24.3%.
What’s going on?
And what can we as a nation do about it?
That’s where this rhythm comes in.
Let’s take a deeper look at Brevard’s mental health issues
I plan to explore different topics – including personal stories – from the statistics mentioned above, including suicide, mental health issues, isolation, addiction, the availability of support and medical help for those with mental health problems and more. .
And I need your help. As I embark on this journey, I encourage you to share your stories and thoughts with me. I am also looking for mental health professionals to connect with, for their experience and advice. Just drop me an email.
Seeking – and getting – mental help, like I did
I know how important it is to find a path to mental health – because I can relate to myself.
As a 25-year resident of Brevard, I have not only noticed some of these facts but played my part in them, starting when I was a teenager, when people thought I was sad.
I began my journey to mental health in my early 20s. I have been on medication over the years, I think I can handle it on my own.
How wrong I was.
I am constantly on medication for anxiety, depression and panic attacks. But those evil-minded demons are still trying to penetrate my mind. I admit, even lately, I’ve been feeling hopeless. Getting out of bed, showering and tidying my house is a challenge some days. Sometimes, the only time I feel at peace is when I’m sleeping, next to my rock of a man.
However, this section helped motivate me and give me a sense of purpose.
My child begged me, ‘Mom, please stop drinking.’
I also know about addiction. Not only did I see others dealing with it, but I had a serious alcohol problem for many years – drinking after work and on weekends. Twice, my drinking landed me in the ER for injuries, then pancreatitis.
But I gave up alcohol more than four years ago, after spending the whole day on a bender, on Saturday April 2020. Towards the end of the night, one of my children asked me he cried: “Mom, please stop drinking.”
That’s when I knew that my drinking was affecting more than me – it was breaking my children’s hearts.
Support from Brevard recovery groups
The next day, I apologized to my children in tears. I threw all the trash in the house and went to the bath club meeting. I haven’t had a drink since then.
Seeking support and help changed my life. However, the journey is far from over – it’s day by day.
To be honest, I’m pretty embarrassed by some of the things I just shared. But I hope my honesty will help someone. Addiction is certainly an important mental health issue.
In this episode, I hope to uncover all kinds of mental health issues, share personal and powerful stories of those who struggle, their triumphs in getting help and explore the resources available to those who need it – and where our community can do better.
Building a supportive community
Let’s build a society free from fear and prejudice. One that offers compassion and resources.
I know if we all work together, we can make a real difference. And give hope and healing to the desperate.
As I was.
This report is supported by a grant from Journalism Funding Partners. Mental health reporter Sara Paulson can be reached atspaulson@floridatoday.com.
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