Like many of you, I have been watching the Olympic Games in Paris and have been amazed by the abilities of these athletes and their incredible stories. Even before the games officially began, many of these world-class athletes shared their thoughts on the importance of mental health to their overall well-being. These individuals are under extreme pressure to perform leading to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Their courage in delivering this simple, but powerful message resonates with what we know – without mental health, there is no health.
This is a mantra we have used here as we work to remove stigma and expand access to essential mental health services. When those in a position of influence, like Olympic athletes, talk about mental health challenges being the same as any physical ailment, it helps to remove the stigma. These athletes are amplifying the message that if you need help for anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge, you should not hesitate to ask for it.
This is a conversation that I hope continues long after the Olympic Games. I hope that these athletes and their candor on the mental health challenges they have faced serve as a catalyst for a sea change in the national conversation about behavioral health.
We are the largest hospital in the state and the fourth-largest public hospital in the U.S. We are one of the leading providers of mental health and addiction treatment in New Jersey. My team sees firsthand every day the impact that stigma has on preventing people from reaching out to receive essential services that could change, and in some cases, save their lives.
The youth mental health crisis has received a great deal of attention since the pandemic, but the stark reality is that our children and teens were suffering long before COVID. Studies show that before 2020, the rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation were climbing at an alarming rate. COVID only served to exacerbate what was already a frightening reality.
Similarly, rates of addiction in all ages were significantly impacted by the isolating effects of the pandemic. People turned to substances as an outlet for the mental health challenges they were facing. Our team treats many people who walk through our doors, wanting to change their lives and experience a better quality of life.
No one needs to suffer, and no one should suffer. We continue to advocate for the elimination of stigma around mental health and substance use disorder treatment for all ages. The medical center works tirelessly to expand access to and raise awareness about behavioral health services offered here and around the country that can quite simply change lives for the better.
Congratulations to all the Olympic athletes and their dedication.
Deb Visconi is the CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
