In this article, my intention is not to take a stand on the current health care debate in the United States. Those readers who know me probably know my views on the health care issues. However, as a professional counselor and a writer on issues related to mental health, I do not feel that this column is an appropriate setting to express my political views.
Despite all of this, I believe that there is at least one aspect of the health care discussion that is not debatable. The current U.S. health care system leads to a lot of emotional stress for employed and unemployed Americans alike. I planned on discussing research exploring the relationship and correlation between the current U.S. health care system and associated stress.
However, I was shocked that I was not able to find any research or discussion on the subject. Therefore, I hope that this article serves as a comfort to those people who are stressed by our current health care system, a recognition that your stress is being recognized, an awareness that you are not alone in being stressed out about health care and also a resource that will provide coping techniques.
When a person becomes unemployed one of their first thoughts is often, “What do I do about health insurance?” As you all know, there are several options for retaining health care during unemployment. However, despite these options, a person’s job being tied to their (and oftentimes partner and children’s) health insurance inevitably becomes a stressor.
Additionally, the current U.S. health care system can lead to greater stress for employed workers. In this tenuous economy (and given the current health care policy), fear of job loss invariably leads to a fear of losing one’s health insurance. Fear of losing one’s health insurance can become even more stressful if the individual has a medical precondition that may make it extremely difficult for that person to obtain health insurance on their own.
What particular health care reform is necessary to decrease stress in America? Well my friends that is a discussion for another day (and quite frankly, a whole different column altogether). Be it a public option, breaking the link between employer and health insurance and instead allowing individuals to shop for health insurance individually or reigning in on the insurance companies all powerful hand, as a professional counselor I do not believe it is my place to say what I believe should be done. However, I do believe it is my place to express how the current health care system in the United States seems to be increasing our stress. Ironically, this stress brought on by the American health care system is likely contributing to our skyrocketing health care costs.
Most importantly, what can you do about the stressful situation that is our current health care system? No, not move to France or Canada. First, keep in mind what you can control and what you cannot control. It is fruitless to spend emotional energy on parts of the health care situation that you cannot control. However, there is much you can control when it comes to health care, and it is worth spending energy on these areas. For example, when you become unemployed, figure out what needs to be done to ensure affordable health care (lots of great resources are available, including TheCanned.com!).
Also, get involved in the health care debate, your voice can make a difference. Call your Congressional representatives, attend a town hall meeting, knock on some doors and make some phone calls for the health care reform that you personally believe to be the best option. I contend that you will feel empowered with a greater sense of control and purpose.
Finally, social support is huge. I cannot emphasize this enough. Overall, talking to friends, family and people experiencing similar stress helps decrease stress and increase well-being. Talk to friends and family who are also worried about health insurance, find an advocacy group that supports your view on health care and even create a meet up group (www.meetup.com) for people stressed about health insurance or a lack thereof.
I always encourage people to comment on my articles, however this week I feel that your comments are even more vital. This article was written about the relationship between stress and health care. For some unknown reason this connection has not been emphasized or addressed enough in the media. Let’s try and use the comments section this week to get a real discussion going, with the hope being that readers can provide some social (albeit virtual) support to each other.
