Oprah — you never let me down! I’m not saying I’m a sucker for everything the legendary talk show host and business tycoon recommends, but I always seem to stumble across the same great works she adds to her famed list. And there it was, right on the front cover….her seal of approval.
Hidden Valley Road tells the story of a military family from Colorado Springs — the husband, an Air Force colonel, and the mother an outwardly perfect domestic engineer. They would go on to have TWELVE children, half of which developed schizophrenia, and would eventually become perhaps the most studied family in the history of mental health. The book reads like a page turning thriller, but combines a Michael Lewis-like talent to present and otherwise boring topic in an incredibly interesting fashion. I could barely put it down. What are some takeaways from this awesome book?
Per the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”), insurance companies are required to cover mental health “like any other.” In other words, they can’t decline you for coverage, or carve out that benefit in a separate fashion. A visit to your therapist is treated like going to your doctor for a regular checkup. This was a huge breakthrough for the mental health community.
The National Suicide Help Line = 800-273-8255. About 70% of people who commit suicide verbalize their intentions to others before doing so. The third son in the family, Brian, committed suicide after killing his wife. Another son, Donald, talked of attempts to do something similar. There is help! If you or a loved one is struggling, get help. Talk to someone.
Diet and exercise can have a tremendously positive impact on mental health. Not everyone can be a triathlete or a marathoner, but a simple walk in the park, or even performing household work like gardening can release endorphins that lift your spirits and help your self-esteem.
Many health insurance plans now offer reduced, or even FREE virtual doctor visits, including mental health. That means you can sit in the privacy of your own home, and receive professional counseling and treatment. If you have any questions, call your insurance agent or carrier right now to see how you are covered.
Taking time to pay attention to your mental health has perhaps never been more important than it is right now. During the COVID-10 pandemic, we’ve seen massive unemployment, historic GDP contraction, business closures, bankruptcies, layoffs, and struggles we never could have imagined. Take the time to work on yourself. You’re worth it!
This is one you should read. Take Oprah’s advice. And take the advice of experts all over. Mental health struggles are very real, and there is help out there.
