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The luxurious city of Moreno Valley, California is jam-packed with things to do. The entertainment in the area has a heavy focus on nature and education. A favorite hobby amongst Moreno Valley’s inhabitants is hiking and taking walks along the beach. The bustling town is the epitome of accessibility. Convenient hiking trails, as well as fantastic spots to relax on the beach, are all a short drive away. The residents living there are known for their appreciation of nature, and avidly support the many reserves, museums, and other institutions promoting outdoor preservation.
As of 2017, there are roughly 207,000 people living in Moreno Valley, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That makes Moreno Valley one of the largest cities in Riverside County. The city’s population is increasing much like other areas in similar situations. Primarily, people move to the city of Moreno Valley to pursue a job opportunity. However, not all people retain their jobs. In fact, unemployment is a cause for major concern. The rate of jobless individuals is actively contributing to a greater problem; something experts in the city are calling a “mental health crisis.”
The issue of skyrocketing mental illness diagnoses is not affecting Moreno Valley alone. In fact, the state of California as a whole is going through the same crisis. According to a 2017 report commissioned by Mental Health America, California is amongst the top 50 percent of states regarding mental illness and the lack of access to care. In this context, mental illness can refer to a variety of diseases ranging in severity; for example, schizophrenia or depression. The California Health Care Foundation estimates that about one in every six Californians has a mental health issue. So, what are the underlying factors that are negatively impacting San Moreno residents’ mental health?
To begin with, the city of San Moreno has a crime problem. Particularly, a violent crime theft problem. According to a study from the FBI based around crime reports, the overall crime rate in Moreno Valley is approximately 20 percent higher than the national average. Additionally, 77 percent of San Moreno residents who responded to a survey said that crime was “rampant” in the area. Unsurprisingly, there is a heavy statistical link between areas with problematic rates of crime and mental illness. Unfortunately, crime is one of Moreno Valley’s weak points. Looking into the situation, a little deeper reveals some more troubling statistics, including this one from the FBI: Moreno Valley’s crime rate is a whopping 82 percent higher than every other California city and town. Undoubtedly, the unrelenting crime problem in the city is having a profound impact on residents’ mental health, statistically speaking.
Another problem relating to mental health in San Moreno is education. The school system in the county has failed many students. The high school dropout rate in the city is ten percent higher than the national, as per the 2017 statistics. Additionally, the education pupils are receiving is sub-par, as reflected by the test scores in the school district. On average, a Moreno Valley student’s test score is 52 percent lower than the test score of a student from out of state. Officials are blaming a few things for being the causes of that staggeringly high statistic. Primarily, the lack of funds being directed toward schools. The student to teacher ratio is also measurably heightened in the city when compared to the rest of the nation, sitting at 23 students for every one teacher.
The unfortunate link between poverty and mental illness is all too real. San Moreno is experiencing a poverty problem. Meaning, the cost of living in the city far outweighs what the average person is making annually. While the cost of living in San Moreno is less than that of much of the rest of California, it is still 17 percent higher than the national average. The high cost of living coupled with the fact that the average income per capita in the area is 37 percent lower than the national average makes for some economically dicey situations for many residents.
For many living in Moreno Valley, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to find a counselor that can do them good. The lack of access to care has been brought about in part because of poorly crafted policy on the part of the government and local legislatures. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 20 percent of those living in Moreno Valley was without any form of health insurance. Those people are forced to pay for treatment out-of-pocket. However, many in that situation avoid even looking for a therapy solution, as the cost would be insurmountable, despite the benefits that would come along.
Another reason people in the area do not receive necessary mental health treatment is because of stigma. Some people fear the judgment of others based on the false stigma surrounding mental health. It is important both individually and societally to recognize and acknowledge the falsity of all stigmas relating to mental health in order to promote the well-being of those suffering from mental illnesses.
While the state of California and much of America are going through a shortage of mental health professionals available to treat patients, Moreno Valley has a good number of institutions in the area servicing those in need. For example, the Riverside County Department of Mental Health offers a bevy of information and services to those experiencing issues with mental health. Additionally, the Family Service Association provides help to both children and adults in need.
E-Counseling.com’s therapist directory was created to help those in need of mental health assistance via counseling find trusted professionals in your area. Settle for the best experience by using our directory to find a therapist fit just for you.
