PRINTWhat's up, doc?
April 9, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
We live in strange times. Five-year-olds have cell phones, penny candy is no longer a penny, and people talk about seeing a therapist the same way they talk about getting a haircut — “I feel so much lighter now.” Maybe it’s just me, but until recently I saw therapy as a taboo topic, a don’t-ask-don’t-tell sort of situation.
Over the past few years, I’ve had countless friends unloading their problems on therapists and then rehashing each session over coffee. Granted there are huge variances in people’s need for therapy, but everyone seems to be willing to talk about it.
This trend in speaking openly about mental health is not only welcome, but also necessary, especially with the crap the economy’s been throwing our way. We all have a lot to say, and sometimes we just need someone to sit and listen.
The problem arises when there isn’t an outlet for the frustration. Even in relatively economic-crisis-insulated Columbia, it’s still difficult to get a timely appointment with a mental health professional (Feature). Missouri as a whole lacks essential resources for those suffering from mental illness. Locally, MU students and faculty have the best shot at a last-minute appointment, but despite what some might think, there are many people in this town who are not affiliated with the university. Or so I hear.
For those in need of help, we’ve done our best to provide you with a rundown of some of the local outlets (Feature). But while you’re waiting for your appointment, feel free to send your thoughts to vox@missouri.edu.
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