Castle Rock, Colorado Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Castle Rock, Colorado

Mental health issues can strike anyone, anywhere, despite their social status, age or financial standing. Depression, addictive behaviors, anxiety and other disorders are becoming more common in the United States as people try to juggle mounting social pressures with their financial responsibilities and the unstable sociopolitical climate. Even people in the affluent neighborhood of Castle Rock, Colorado, are not immune to such issues; however, before the residents of this area can begin to treat their mental health problems, it is important that they first understand what might be causing them and what steps they can take to find treatment.

The Challenges of Finding a Therapist in Castle Rock

Castle Rock, Colorado is home to 55,747 individuals, with over four percent of the population living in outlying rural areas. This may make it difficult for people in these locales to get into the city to find the mental health treatment they need. Public transportation also may not be available for these residents, despite the city’s rapid growth.

Financial barriers might be an issue for some of the city’s residents as well. The cost of living in Castle Rock is 13 percent higher than in other parts of Colorado and 22 percent higher than the national average, which is a considerable gap. Despite a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.4 percent when compared to the country’s rate of 5.2 percent and a growing job market, the high cost of living may make mental health treatment a luxury many cannot afford.

Mental Health Challenges in Castle Rock

While Castle Rock’s job market may be booming, it could also be partly to blame for some of the mental health challenges people there are facing. Demands from clients and managers, the pressure to perform and be productive daily and the headaches that face those who commute into Colorado Springs five days a week may cause or trigger a variety of mental and emotional issues that include:

• Anxiety disorder
• Chronic Depression
• Substance Abuse
• Eating disorders
• Mood disorders

Each of these problems could grow worse if left untreated and may lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts and actions.

Castle Rock’s environment and climate make it a haven for winter tourists who enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other cold-weather activities. However, some of the city’s residents may be affected by the long winters and heavy snowfall, which averages 71 percent annually. Being forced to stay indoors for days at a time during bad weather can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression or make the symptoms of these mental health issues worse.

Health care costs in Castle Rock may also be a challenge for those seeking treatment for their mental health problems. The health care index is 105, five percent greater than the national average, which means costs in the area for this kind of service may be elevated. While some clinics and other health services in the area may offer services on a sliding scale or depending on a patient’s financial status, not all individuals may have access to these discounts.

The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health in Castle Rock

Despite the overall affluence of the Castle Rock community, there are those who live in poverty within the community. Caucasians are most affected, with nearly 70 percent living under the poverty line, followed by Hispanics and Latinos. The Asian population seems the least affected by poverty and typically hold the highest-paying jobs in the city. However, there is still a small percentage of this demographic that lives in poverty. Individuals who cannot meet their cost of living are typically more likely to develop mental health issues, including depression and severe anxiety.

Poverty may be causing a connection between Castle Rock’s crime problems and a lack of mental health treatment. While the crime index itself is relatively low when compared to the national average, incidents of theft and property crimes are still common. While not all criminals who commit these acts suffer from a lack of mental health treatment, it may be a factor in other, more serious crimes, such as rape, violent crimes and assault.