ALPENA — Conversations about mental health might not seem thrilling to everyone, but in Alpena, they matter a lot. Many residents are eager to talk about mental health and the support available.
Lindsey Dauost, a social worker at Unity Health in Alpena, creates a safe space for clients to share their struggles. Many face stigma around mental illness and challenges with insurance coverage. “Most people have high deductibles,” she mentions, highlighting how expensive mental health treatment can be. Many individuals can’t afford to pay out of pocket. This financial burden can worsen mental health issues. “To provide good therapy, patients need good insurance coverage,” she adds.
The demand for mental health services in Alpena feels greater than the available professionals. “There aren’t enough therapists to meet the demand,” Dauost states. With ongoing worries about the economy and politics, many locals battle issues like seasonal depression and loneliness. Recent statistics show that young adults, especially Gen Z, are increasingly seeking help. “Gen Zers are very proactive at seeking mental health treatment,” Dauost notes.
One high school senior, Cassandra VanHorn, shares her journey with depression and social anxiety. “I’ve faced ups and downs that affect my daily life,” she says. Although finding support in Alpena was tough, she emphasizes that help can come from various sources. “Support doesn’t have to come from a person; even pets can help during tough times,” she advises.
Charlotte Goralczyk, another local, has faced her own battles with depression since her teenage years. After moving to Alpena, she found treatment at Alpena Alcona Health Center, making it easier for her to seek help. Her advice? “Take a moment to breathe deeply, and please seek help.”
Christy Heimky began her mental health journey after her doctor suggested therapy to cope with chronic pain from autoimmune disorders. Initially hesitant, she found therapy helped her address past trauma. Although she felt “discarded and alone” at first, she’s grateful for the support she receives now. However, her husband, a combat veteran, struggled with the VA system. “The VA drops the ball,” she says, recalling a frustrating seven-month wait for a new therapist. “Veterans are forgotten,” she adds, highlighting the need for better support for those who served.
Self-advocacy is vital, Heimky suggests. “People are often too afraid to speak up, but they have the strength to do it.” This advice reflects a common theme among those seeking mental health support: finding a voice can be as vital as finding treatment.
A resource for many in the community is the Light of Hope Clubhouse, part of a network offering support to individuals with mental illness. It serves Alpena and nearby counties, providing community, housing, and employment assistance. “It’s the best-kept secret in Alpena,” says Jason Dagner, a social practitioner at the Clubhouse. He emphasizes the importance of community in recovery. While Medicaid funds the center, individuals must qualify to access services, which can pose a barrier for some.
The Light of Hope Clubhouse staff and members are working to raise awareness through community events like an open house planned for May. Their mission? To make sure everyone knows there’s help available.
For further information on mental health resources, you can check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website for guidance and support options. Finding help is vital, and the community of Alpena continues to strive to ensure no one faces their battles alone.
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