Medford, Oregon Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Medford, Oregon

Located in southern Oregon, Medford is home to just over 80,000 people. This is the 4^th largest metropolitan area in Oregon and the county seat of Jackson County. The economy is driven mostly by the health care industry and 2,000 people are employed by Providence Medford Medical Center and Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.

According to the latest census estimate, Medford is expected to grow by 8.9 percent since 2010. Just over 7 percent of the residents of Medford are foreign born and there are close to 7,500 veterans living in the area. Most of the population (86.4 percent) have a high school diploma while almost a quarter of the residents have an undergraduate degree of higher.

The median household income in Medford is considerably lower than the state’s average, at $44,697 versus $57,532. House values also fall lower in Medford than they do in the rest of Oregon, and it was recently found that workers in Medford earn 12 percent less than the average worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The hourly wage mean was $21.32 in Medford, while the nationwide average is higher at $24.34.

Statistics show that crime rates are higher in Medford than in the United States. The country average has an index of 278.2, while Medford ranks at 460.1 and there are fewer officers per resident here than in the state. Unemployment rates were higher at 5.96 percent than the state’s 5.6 percent and significantly higher than the country’s average of 3.7 percent.

Mental Health Resources in Medford, Oregon

According to a 2017 study, Oregon ranked worst in the United States in regards to the mental illness rates. While most experts believe this is a national epidemic and problem everywhere, there are days where up to eight people will come to the emergency room in distress, needing urgent mental health care. Therapy and medication go a long way toward stabilizing patients and helping them get back to life, but access to health care, and mental health care specifically, is a consistent issue with Americans.

A large portion of the residents of Oregon identify as bisexual, lesbian, gay or questioning. Issues with one’s identity and gender and how society views them is often a core issue with mental health. This can be a significant factor in the state’s high mental illness rate. 30 percent of residents have at least one disability while almost a quarter of people say they have cognitive difficulties. Physical and mental disabilities as well as difficulties in the way one thinks are also often contributing factors when it comes to mental illness.

Mental illness can range in type and severity and affect every individual differently. Jackson County Health & Human Services provides a crisis service for those who need immediate treatment and inpatient care. There are also treatment programs for children and adults who struggle from mental illnesses like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders

These are just a few of the common problems that those with mental illness deal with. While some genetic factors are at play in every situation, environmental factors also greatly affect mental health. Some of the most common ones are:

• Abuse
• Divorce
• Domestic violence
• Substance abuse
• Job loss
• Death of a loved one

Some mental illnesses last a lifetime and require regular treatment, while others may come and go based on what you are currently dealing with in your life. Whether your mental illness is chronic or situational, seeking treatment is vital to staying healthy, both emotionally and physically.

Treatment should be sought when you notice you have problems with memory, concentration or the ability to think clearly. You may also notice changes in your appetite such as overeating or a loss of appetite. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness and emptiness are also indicators of a mental illness. You may become more sensitive to smell, touch, sight or sounds and you may feel constantly worried. If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned you might have a mental illness, it’s a good idea to see a professional.