Providers and patients have been overwhelmed by a shortage of therapists coupled with a rising demand for mental health services.
In 2023, only 24% of those in need of mental health services were able to get help, said Carrie Company, a licensed clinical and professional counselor in Bloomington.
“I worked seven days last week,” said Company, who owns Good Company Counseling and Coaching in Bloomington. She specializes in therapy for trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression, among other issues. Her office staffs a specialist focused on autism and a nurse practitioner, who is able to prescribe and monitor medication, when needed.
“Right now, it seems like we’re dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression,” Company said. “Those are the big ones. Post-COVID, it was a lot of social anxiety. People were isolated and at home.”
“I always tell people, ‘Social anxiety is almost like a muscle; if you don’t use it, it increases [and] it atrophies, so getting out and talking to people is one of the best things you can do.”
Company cited a statistic reporting that 40% of adolescents claim to be sad. She thinks this is caused by spending too much time online and not connecting with friends and family.
“So many people that come into our offices are lonely and feeling isolated," she said. "As soon as they get to reach out and talk to someone and verbalize some of the things that they’re going through, it helps them with their own perspective and it helps them realize they’re not alone.”
Helping yourself
Company said taking the step to make an appointment and come to her office is a good sign.
"The fact that you're here tells me that you're caring for, willing to make change and invested in your mental health," she said. "It is the people walking around who refuse to get services — those are the people I get concerned about."
But with long waiting periods for new patients seeking therapy, Company said certain forms of self-care can ease anxiety and depression.
Aerobic exercise, as little as 20 minutes a day ,can help, as well as engaging in favorite hobbies like art or music, and time spent in nature — what Company calls "green therapy."
“Pets, social support, connecting with others — those are great things that people can do," she said. "And intuitively, each person knows how to self-calm. What are those things that help you to feel good? One client told me it’s watching The Golden Girls. That’s fine! It is whatever works."
Company described signs that family members and friends should be on the lookout for in those who choose not to seek professional help.
“Changes in behavior, so trouble sleeping, difficulty eating [and] social withdrawal,” Company said. “Feeling helpless or worthless. Saying goodbye to people — that’s a big one if someone’s feeling suicidal. Not participating in activities that were once pleasurable to that person.”
Company said simply talking to people struggling is an effective way that family and friends can help.
“Talking with them [and] saying in a nonjudgmental and in a very calm and curious way, ask the question, ‘Hey, are you struggling?' Do you want to talk?' Or, 'Can I help you find someone who you can talk to?’” Company said. "Just ask the question."
Mental Health Awareness Month
Good Company Counseling and Coaching hosted a Mental Health Awareness Open House last week in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Month. Company said it was designed to introduce the community to the agency's services and to provide a place to meet and interact with therapists.
“One of the things we’re really interested in doing at Good Company is de-stigmatizing mental health services. It’s a very homey sort of setup,” said Company, adding those who need services but can’t find them can join waitlists with mental health providers.
“If it’s not Good Company, there are plenty of other counseling groups in the area. Reach out, connect and get help,” she said.
