Therapists in Shoreline, WA and Nearby Locations

An Overview of Mental Health in Shoreline, Washington

The thriving city of Shoreline is the northwesternmost within Washington State’s King County. Its population has seen distinct growth over the last two decades, with figures increasing to about 56,189 according to the United States Census survey conducted in 2017. This reflects an increase of about 3,000 persons compared to the 2000 survey’s measure of 53,025.

Shoreline’s residents tend to enjoy education and income levels that outpace those found throughout the rest of the country. Fewer people there live without access to health insurance (8.6% versus 10.2% nationwide), and the percentage of those living in poverty (about 9%) falls below the national average (just over 12%). Despite these favorable circumstances, however, many people living in Shoreline need mental health assistance.
The city’s broader economic and social advantages do not extend to every individual, however. Furthermore, many of those who lead successful lives still contend with any number of personal difficulties. Mental health problems can stem from countless different factors. Influences can be found in the home, at school, and in the workplace, and can range from major life events like divorce to the growing threat posed by addictive painkillers.

Drug Reliance and Mental Health in Shoreline

Although there has been an observable decline in the past few years, the over-prescription of powerful opioids has remained a distinct problem in the U.S. throughout the 21st century. Such substances can and do play important roles in managing both acute and chronic pain, but when their risks are not properly considered, the results can prove to be deadly.
Shoreline’s home of King County has shown positive trends in this area, as much of the country has in the last half-decade. However, there is much progress to be made, with 94 opioid-attributed deaths reported in 2017, according to University of Washington studies. The same study also reflected increases in fentanyl-related fatalities, which might have contributed to the decline in incidents involving pharmaceuticals.
The Centers for Disease Control notes that as of 2017, there are still 58 opioid substances prescribed in America for every 100 individuals. All told, roughly 17% of the country’s population had such a prescription filled throughout the year. The most alarming toll, per CDC data, is the estimated 46 overdose deaths that occur each day. The organization also states that prescribed drugs factored into more than one-third of fatal incidents, evidencing the threat they continue to represent.

Divorce and Its Impact on Mental Health

The end of a serious relationship can be one of the most trying events in anyone’s life, particularly when speaking of long-term romantic involvement. Ending a marriage often produces a range of painful emotions and can contribute to many types of mental ailments, from depression to insomnia. A divorce can also promote the formation of physical health problems, and the effects are unfortunately not always limited to the adults in question.
Parental separation of any kind is known to have effects on children, and the impact is often significant. Kids and teenagers can develop anxiety or aggression, suffer learning problems, and begin to experience trust issues. These effects often carry well into adulthood, and in many cases, remain lifelong sources of poor mental health. This is important to note, as health problems—mental and otherwise—are notably more difficult to identify in younger persons.

Mental Health Assistance is Available in Shoreline

Dealing with mental health problems can be extremely challenging at any age, but the process is often made easier when the right help is available. Consider these initial resources in and around Shoreline if you or someone you know requires assistance:

• King County Mental Health Services provides services to many individuals living in low-income situations.
• Center for Human Services of Shoreline offers substance abuse counseling, plus youth and family support, among other services.
• Mindful Therapy Group in Seattle offers a spectrum of therapy types, and offer some remote services as well.