When it comes to healthcare, we often focus on physical ailments, but there are many psychological issues that affect millions in the US. These mental health concerns impact work and home life and cost our country billions of dollars.
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a psychiatric disorder that affects approximately 2.2 million American adults each year according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Forty million adults in the US struggle with anxiety disorders. One trait both groups have in common is that they are likely to go several years without seeking treatment.
OCD is detrimental to an individual’s well being, quality of life, level of education, employment status and financial independence according to OCDcenter.org. While there is no medication that has proven effective to treat OCD, there are therapeutic treatment methods. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment. Someone with OCD or anxiety disorders may also suffer from depression. There is also a higher danger of these individuals suffering from addiction issues arising from attempts to self-medicate and lessen symptoms.
Houston Rockets player Royce White recently spoke with CNN about his battle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and how it is affecting his rookie season: “It's a day-by-day struggle for me.” He wants to de-stigmatize the disorder and boost awareness. This talented first-round draft pick recognizes that his OCD and the resulting fear of flying could jeopardize his career in the NBA.
He’s not the first professional athlete or celebrity to battle mental health issues. Nearly one in five individuals struggles with GAD or OCD, so these issues are common even though sufferers may be reluctant to discuss it openly for fear of being misunderstood. This only proves that we have a long way to go in educating the public about these common mental health issues.
Mental Health Treatment at La Paloma
If you or someone you love needs treatment for an addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder like GAD or OCD, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
