Dallas Texas The Problems of People with Mental Illness

The Problems of People with Mental Illness in Dallas, Texas

Dallas has the leading poverty rate that places most people living in abject poverty at the risk of developing mental health illnesses and makes it challenging for those living with mental illness to seek treatment. High poverty rates limit access to education or health care for awareness to instigate the pursuit of treatment and resources to seek care or make inquiries (Dallas Morning News Editorial, 2017). The weight of poverty in the community has created a triad of challenges that deteriorate the quality of life when living with mental illness (Wellcommunity, 2022). For example, chronic mental illness may make it difficult for an individual to maintain a job resulting in loss of housing and lack of access to health care and support. While these challenges are prevalent across the country, housing insecurity, lack of access to mental health care, and food insecurity affect Dallas disproportionately.

Housing insecurity can amplify mental health challenges that have resulted in a housing crisis among mentally ill people in Dallas. In line with the National low-income housing coalition, Texas has a shortage of 600,000 available and affordable housing units for low-income earners. In Dallas, there is a shortage of 165,000 units, with 20 units available for every 100,000 households that need them (Wellcommunity, 2022). This is above the national average of 37 units per 100,000 households. The lack of affordable housing has contributed to the homelessness of 4,500 people daily.

Inconsistent access to sufficient food for an active, healthy life has increased difficulty in concentration and an increased risk for suicidal ideation and depression. The challenge of food insecurity in Dallas is higher than the national average of one in every eight people at 17%. The lack of food security among low-income families creates a challenge in living healthy lives and seeking health care since food is a priority among the competing needs of this population (MHADallas, 2022). Access to healthcare is limited due to a shortage of care providers. Access to healthcare is limited to the middle class with insurance coverage or those who can pay out-of-network care providers. Those living below the poverty line do not have these options. More than 23% of Texans living with mental illness are uninsured, and 62% of this population are not under treatment. However, these resources are available in the community for people living with mental illness:

1. Mental Health America of Greater Dallas: www.mhadallas.org. 624 N. Good Latimer Expy. Ste. 200 Dallas, TX 75204. Phone: 214-871-2420. The agency facilitates and coordinates local mental health services through planning and response to community crises soon as they emerge. The agency collaborates with other providers to render affordable and accessible mental health services (Dallas County Public Defender’s Office Mental Health Division, 2010).

2. Our Calling: www.ourcalling.org. OurCalling 1702 S Cesar Chavez Blvd Dallas, TX 75215. Phone: (214) 444-8796. The agency Christ-based supports the homeless by offering them support and compassion, connecting them to social benefit programs that they qualify for, and getting homeless people out of a state of emergency.

3. Suicide and Crisis Center. www.sccenter.org. 2808 Swiss Avenue Dallas, TX 75204. Phone: 214-824-7023. The agency helps offer emergency assistance to individuals who have suicidal ideation and offer assistance for long-term help by connecting such individuals to social workers and other support services.

4. National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI)—Dallas. https://namitexas.org/. 6510 Abrams Road, Suite 568 Dallas, TX 75231. Phone: 214-341-7133. NAMI advocates for access to mental health services, treatment, and support for people with mental illness; the agency offers education and support for affected families.

5. ARC of Dallas. www.arcdallas.org. 2114 Anson Road Dallas, TX 75235. Phone: 214-634-9810. ARC Dallas assists parents of children with developmental illnesses with access to appropriate education and offers training and resource support to help such children lead dignified life (The Arc of DFW Area, 2022).