In this special edition of Southpaws, Darren and Jack discuss mental health. A recent study revealed that Grand Rapids, Michigan has the highest depression rate among cities with a population over 1,000,000 in their geographic area. While the study discussed divorce rates, poverty rates, obesity, and other causes of depression, one topic wasn't discussed. Conservatism!
Among the top ten depressed cities of all sizes, nine of the ten are known as hotbeds of conservatism and neoliberalism. Could the high rates of depression be caused by conservatism?
Also, Darren and Jack examine how Republicans at the federal and state levels have gutted mental health care. Once upon a time, Michigan had 23 state operated mental hospitals. Former governor John Engler and the Republican legislature closed most of the state operated hospitals. Now, Michigan has only five (technically three as one only takes children and another is for the criminally insane).
Meanwhile, privately owned mental hospitals are overwhelmed. But one Grand Rapids facility has started an urgent care center specifically for mental health emergencies. Their first six months of operation exceeded all expectations.
Finally, Darren has some advice for anyone struggling with mental health issues.
