A recent study for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania called attention to a potential lack of access to mental health services in rural parts of the state, problems which McKean County shares.
Dan Wertz, director of human services for the county, said, “What the Center for Rural Pennsylvania is speaking to, is we can treat and manage (mental health) when we have access to quality treatment services in our community.”
The report noted that common barriers to supplying mental health services included transportation, health insurance, stigma associated with mental health, telehealth and shortages of professionals.
“When you look at the numbers, one in five U.S. adults are experiencing a mental illness, and one in six youth,” Wertz said. In comparison, the number of youth equates to about the same number of people as the population of Smethport. For adults, it’s about five times the size of Smethport.
“That’s a pretty substantial number,” he said, “about 20 percent of the population. Any one of us could be impacted — family, friends, coworkers, whatever. Mental illness and disorders are treatable and manageable.”
The study was done prior to the pandemic, but Wertz shared that COVID has exacerbated mental health problems for many.
“The pandemic definitely highlighted it and revealed none of us are immune to having that experience with anxiety or depression,” he said, adding that the pandemic “brought about a greater awareness about how mental illness can creep in.”
It’s a conversation more people are having, and Wertz said he’s hopeful that it will work to reduce the stigma and encourage people to seek help when they need it.
“When you talk about reducing stigma, it goes a long way to know that any one of us can have these experiences,” he said.
In rural areas such as McKean County, not everyone lives near a provider, and not everyone has access to transportation. However, there are things that can be done within communities to help each other out.
“We recognize we can play a part, informally,” Wertz said, “through organizations and groups that might not think what they do can play a role in someone’s (mental health).”
Check on neighbors, make sure to say hello to let a person know that someone cares, help out with transportation if possible. Senior centers, Meals on Wheels, the Area Agency on Aging, are all great resources, too.
“Those kinds of things are important,” Wertz explained.
Again, COVID has interfered.
“All the social distancing we’ve engaged in … we really are social creatures in the end,” he said. “When you turn it upside down and say ‘don’t go near anyone,’ you lose some of those connections.”
The report suggested that telehealth is a good way to expand services in rural areas. However, Wertz noted that access to telehealth, or to the technology for it, may be unavailable to older residents, or low-income residents.
School districts have noted increased stress levels in staff and anxiety in students.
“We’re not short of folks seeking help in some way,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, There’s nothing wrong with getting help.”
He made a point that is lost in many discussions: “Mental health is not weakness. I can’t stress that enough. You’re not weak if you are being impacted by something in your life.”
Wertz said there are steps one can take to find a balance in life. “Just reading a book or getting outside to get a breath of fresh air can go a long way toward having some balance or releasing some stress.”
He cautioned, too, to be aware of how much media and social media one is consuming. “That can add to your anxiety levels, especially with all that’s going on now that’s beyond our control. When you feel you aren’t in control, you can struggle with issues of anxiety and depression.”
One’s family can help one find a balance, too. “I think sometimes what family doesn’t realize is they are their own mental health providers, whether it’s to say hey, I’ve got your back or I’ll help with some of the challenges.
“There are things that don’t cost anything that we can do for our mental health.”
