If we are to learn from Oregon, it’s that an overly regulated environment , with multiple competing fiefdoms and bodies ,will not result in a favorable outcome :the ready and affordable access to these medicines for the purpose of treating mental illness and end-of-life distress.
“Voters and policymakers are clearly seeking out additional tools to address the mental health crisis, especially for veterans, health workers, and first responders.”
I am curious about the exclusion of trauma survivors themselves like those of us with histories of domestic violence, sexual assault and childhood abuse? Obviously veterans and those who work with trauma survivors benefit from more effective treatments, but leaving out this huge group of people with PTSD and Complex PTSD seems misguided. Perhaps that was not intended?
Thanks for this ongoing discussion about policy changes.
Perhaps the focus was placed on these groups as a political tool to motivate politicians and the public as they receive a reasonable degree of public respect.
Many may feel that these groups “deserve” a special place within the mental health crisis . I respectfully disagree —and I have been a frontline healthcare worker for over 3 decades…
However, there is an equally practical reason to justify focus on them: they are in a position to galvanize others and thus have a significant ripple effect, as healed warriors and healed healers : a potent combination of forces for change
Agreed. My wife is a front line worker in a hospital. I just find as a survivor that my voice is often not heard. I wish that someone would advocate for survivors of sexual violence outside the military as well. There is a huge problem with a lack of access to services for many. I have been fortunate since I have access to my wife’s health benefits. Also a healer myself, I have a special place in my heart for trauma survivors.
Thank you for this informative perspective .
If we are to learn from Oregon, it’s that an overly regulated environment , with multiple competing fiefdoms and bodies ,will not result in a favorable outcome :the ready and affordable access to these medicines for the purpose of treating mental illness and end-of-life distress.
“Voters and policymakers are clearly seeking out additional tools to address the mental health crisis, especially for veterans, health workers, and first responders.”
I am curious about the exclusion of trauma survivors themselves like those of us with histories of domestic violence, sexual assault and childhood abuse? Obviously veterans and those who work with trauma survivors benefit from more effective treatments, but leaving out this huge group of people with PTSD and Complex PTSD seems misguided. Perhaps that was not intended?
Thanks for this ongoing discussion about policy changes.
Absolutely agree , Mel,
Perhaps the focus was placed on these groups as a political tool to motivate politicians and the public as they receive a reasonable degree of public respect.
Many may feel that these groups “deserve” a special place within the mental health crisis . I respectfully disagree —and I have been a frontline healthcare worker for over 3 decades…
However, there is an equally practical reason to justify focus on them: they are in a position to galvanize others and thus have a significant ripple effect, as healed warriors and healed healers : a potent combination of forces for change
Agreed. My wife is a front line worker in a hospital. I just find as a survivor that my voice is often not heard. I wish that someone would advocate for survivors of sexual violence outside the military as well. There is a huge problem with a lack of access to services for many. I have been fortunate since I have access to my wife’s health benefits. Also a healer myself, I have a special place in my heart for trauma survivors.