Diagnonsense Ep. 3: How Legislation Shapes Mental Health and Youth Outreach in Alaska
Our job is to educate the younger generation on the things that are coming, and let's be realistic, covid- isolated people for Two Years and we have yet to see the ripple effect of what that's going to do.
Ever wondered how government decisions impact mental health education and youth outreach? In this episode of Diagnonsense, hosts Justin Pendergrass and Kurt Honak take you on a journey through the intricacies of two key pieces of legislation, HB 60 and SB 80, currently being debated in Alaska. They break down what these bills mean for the state and discuss the alarming rise in overdose cases. But that's not all.
The episode dives deep into how COVID-19 has affected mental health, especially among the younger generation, and what long-term impacts we might expect. Justin and Kurt also tackle the complexities of diagnosing mental health disorders, shedding light on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and its role in treatment. They discuss how childhood trauma can sometimes be mistaken for conditions like ADHD, stressing the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The hosts emphasize the critical role of community feedback and youth outreach in addressing these pressing issues. With a mix of personal anecdotes and expert insights, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how legislation can shape the future of mental health education and services in Alaska. If you're keen to understand the broader implications of these topics, this episode is a must-listen.