Mental health services in our country are woefully underfunded. Every time some tragedy unfolds, the conversation regenerates with the same talking heads, saying that “we must do something about the mental health crisis.”

The tragedy fades from the news (faster and faster each time), the talking heads disappear back to their lives, and nothing changes.

The enormous, lumbering bureaucracy that is our government is not the solution. I do not disagree that mental health services need more funding, but who is held accountable for where the money goes?

If you have a mental health issue or love and care about someone that does, then you know how frustrating the quest is. The search for a diagnosis, services, medication, medication changes, and therapy never ends.

Lucky enough to have good insurance? Great. It is still a struggle to find quality care. Now, imagine you are the person who is ill. You may be overwhelmed by the thought of a shower, and yet you are supposed to be able to advocate and fight for what you need?

There are programs for assistance, of course, if you meet the right criteria. Criteria that changes depending on what program, socioeconomic status, location, and diagnosis. It is a maze of complications that weeds out those that most need help. The weakest and most vulnerable are the least able to advocate for themselves.

I don’t pretend to have the answers or even understand the full scope of the problem. I do know that a country as technologically advanced as the United States should feel deep shame at how we fail to provide a decent standard of care for those with mental health issues.

I want to see a mental health resource clinic in every community. A place that provides mental health services, but also provides the capability to access comprehensive resources for patients and families.

I want to see trained case advisors for every person diagnosed with a mental health issue. If you have a problem with costs, coverage or simply transportation to appointments, this case advisor will help you find the resources you need.

I am tired of seeing teen suicide statistics skyrocket. I am disgusted knowing that although it is challenging to get SSDI for mental health issues, it is often easier than getting adequate treatment.

I want to see employers and insurance companies treat mental health just as they do physical well-being. You can call in sick with a cold or a migraine, but you can’t call in with a depressive episode.

I want to educate people and remove the stigma. I want individuals and families to get support from their schools, communities, and places of worship.

So, what am I missing? Why is this obstacle one that is so difficult to tackle? How do we see these ideas, and ones that I am sure are far greater, implemented? Who do we lobby? Where do we protest?

How do we stand together and say, “There Must Be Change! Mental Health Matters!!”? Politicians will never care enough because it isn’t a hot-button topic.

Where do we unite for change? I am genuinely asking for input and feedback from those that work in the mental health field, those that suffer from a mental health problem, and those that care deeply about someone else who struggles.

Let’s put our collective ability to envision what needs to be done and figure out together how to fight to make it happen — one person, one community, one CHANGE at a time.

Share your ideas in the comments. Share your stories. Share suggestions for ways to help and ways to unite to work together.

I also want to say thank you to the writers in Medium who are brave enough to tell their stories about mental health disorders. You inspire me, and if anyone is helped, it is because of those brave enough to share their stories. Those stories tear down the stigma and shine a light into the darkness that shrouds the mystery of mental health issues.

I know that this article has posed far more questions than solutions. It is an appeal for unity, and to rally the those who know more than I do. I have the desire to make a change, but I need the help of those who have the knowledge of how to make a difference. May we all refuse to be silent until everyone who wants and needs help is getting the best our country has to offer.