May - National Mental Health Month

National Mental Health Month began in April 1949 as Mental Health Week. It was established to remind the public about the goals and activities of the nation's mental health programs. In the late '60's to increase public understanding of mental health issues, National Mental Health Association, (NMHA) expanded the week into a National Mental Health Month.

During May the NMHA, its 330 affiliates and numerous partners take time to educate the public about mental/emotional health and mental/emotional dis-eases.

If you or a member of your family has never had to seek help for a mental/emotional problem then you probably are not aware of the gross inequities in our private insurance system. Your health insurance policy most likely contains provisions for mental health services. Yet, upon examination, you will see that mental health coverage is not nearly as comprehensive as that for physical illnesses. The majority of mental health plans do not provide for the most effective healing modality--hypnosis.

Contrary to popular belief hypnosis is the most effective mental/emotional healing tool. American Health Magazine reported the following results:

o Hypnotherapy 93% recovery after 6 sessions

o Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions

o Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions

The reality is that today's insurance policies are designed by accountants to discourage access to mental health services. The irony of this policy is mind boggling as the root cause of all physical dis-ease is mental/emotional distress.

Two basic facts suggest the magnitude of the problem. During the course of any year, 40 million American adults and approximately 11 million children suffer some form of mental/emotional dis-ease, 5.5 million adults become disabled by their mental/emotional dis-ease.

Holistic, Metaphysical, Energy or Mind, Body, Spirit healing has existed since the beginning of time amid religious beliefs and practices, along with the mystery, superstition, fear, and misunderstanding. Holistic Healing is now becoming recognized regardless of what anyone chooses to believe or think. Ask almost anyone about their spiritual well-being and they will probably tell you, "Yeah, I am a spiritual person, I go to church frequently." Therein, the confusion arises out of the association of healing with religion. The majority of people, including religious leaders, do not understand the difference.

Definition: "HEAL" 1. To restore to health or soundness, 2. To set right, repair, 3. To restore a person to spiritual wholeness, 4. To become whole and sound, to return to health.

Definition: "SPIRIT" 1. The vital principle or animating force within living beings, Incorporeal consciousness. There are about twelve more elaborations mostly to do with various religious implications.

Definition: "RELIGION" 1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe, 2. A set of beliefs, values and practices based on the teachings of a religious doctrine.

Thus, based on Western Medicine's common interpretations of how things 'ARE', many paradoxes are created. The resultant effect is confusion and un-wellness. The Truth, as Carl Jung and others have carefully worded in their writing, is this: Every Thing in the universe is Energy and Consciousness. How anyone thinks or feels about that Fact cannot change it. The purpose of All religions is the recognition that humans have a part of themselves that is not physical and there is a need to explore and experience this aspect of themselves. Part of the intent is to discover one's purpose and to live in the best way possible. Another part of that goal also includes the attainment of Truth and Spiritual Wellness. However, the result of religious teachings with regard to our Spiritual health has been an abysmal failure. If the most important aspect of our being is our Spiritual self, and it has been neglected, it is a miracle we have existed this long.

Mental/emotional issues can be healed given the proper healing modality. If all mental/emotional dis-ease was treated in an effective and timely manner physical illness would be thwarted before it becomes a diagnosable issue.

It is time to end the rampant discrimination against the millions of Americans with mental/ emotional distress. Tell your insurance company to include Holistic Health care. In the end people will suffer less and insurance companies will save thousands of dollars.