Introduction
Over the years, many severe medical conditions, such as non-communicable and infectious, mental health, cancer, and many others, have been termed global health issues (Kelland, 2020). Among these, mental health has been reported as a challenge that needs urgent concern (Kelland, 2020). Mental health refers to a person’s mental well-being that enables them to realize their abilities, cope with stresses they encounter, learn, work, and contribute to society (World Health Organization (WHO), 2022). It entails an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Common mental health problems include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety (Kelland, 2020). Generally, it is a critical component of any person’s health and well-being that forms the foundation for their individual and collective ability to make relationships, make decisions, and shape the world. In addition to being vital for personal, community, and socio-economic development, mental health is a fundamental human right. This reflection focuses on the challenges of the mental health crisis, its potential solution, and the importance of greater awareness and support.
Most Problematic Concerns about Mental Health
The most problematic concern about mental health concern is its prevalence, pervasive stigma, and lack of awareness surrounding it. Over the years, mental health has become a primary global health concern, mainly due to the increased number of people affected worldwide. For instance, according to Campion et al. (2020), more than 970 million individuals all over the globe have mental health problems, with about 25% of the population anticipated to develop sometime in the future.
Additionally, Kelland (2020) notes that the prevalence of depression and anxiety worldwide is 264 million and 284 million, respectively. These cases have led to about 14.3% of the global population, equivalent to 8 million people (Campion et al., 2020). This shows that mental health is a global issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
The pervasive stigma and lack of awareness surrounding mental health concerns are also the most problematic. With more than one-fifth of American adults (44 million) dealing with different mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, Monnapula-Mazabane and Petersen (2023) note that people always avoid conversing about the subject.
This lack of conversation raises stigma, creating a significant barrier to seeking help. As a result, those who need help continue to suffer in silence. According to Monnapula-Mazabane and Petersen (2023), this stigma is caused by misconceptions and prejudices associated with mental health conditions. Society views mental illnesses as a sign of personal failing or weakness, scaring victims away from asking for support.
Mental Health Solutions/Recommendations
Addressing the global mental health issue needs a multifaceted solution to combat its prevalence and associated pervasive stigma and increase social support and awareness. The first recommendation that can best curb the mental health crisis is education and public awareness campaigns to inform people about different mental illnesses and challenge existing misconceptions (Colizzi et al., 2020). The programs will be used to pass accurate information to the community, promoting open communication among members about mental health conditions, acting as the first step to overcoming stigma. This intervention needs collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions to develop appropriate education programs that target different populations.
Another recommendation would focus on ensuring healthcare professionals have relevant education about mental health. Campion et al. (2020) note that equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to recognize and address mental illnesses effectively can help them intervene earlier and improve the outcomes of their patients. Moreover, countries and states should consider incorporating mental health services in their healthcare systems’ primary care to enable people to easily access them and reduce social barriers that deter them from seeking support (Qureshi et al., 2021). Ultimately, society will be aware of mental health as a global health challenge, supporting affected patients.
Prevention of mental health issues and improving one’s well-being can also be done individually. For instance, people can improve their mental health by staying positive (Moroz et al., 2020). One’s mental health can only benefit from the excellent energy that results from maintaining an optimistic mindset. Additionally, humans are social creatures by nature, making it essential to maintain positive connections with those around them, such as family and friends (Moroz et al., 2020).
Having a variety of relationships is also beneficial. Besides the close family and friends relationships, individuals can expand their relationships by engaging in communal activities. A person’s sense of meaning and purpose in life is often bolstered by the relationships they cultivate. Therefore, their ability to cope with adversity is enhanced by their willingness to engage the issue at hand, their willingness to take constructive action, their adaptability, and their resistance to giving up easily.
Why More People Should Care about Mental Health
One reason people must care about mental health is its pervasive effect on the community, especially at the individual level. Mental health in society is linked to issues like crime, suicide, and economic well-being. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that about half of suicide victims have a diagnosable mental illness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
Additionally, about 60% of suicide victims suffer from a diagnosable mental health illness such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia (Kontoangelos et al., 2020). This highlights the importance of caring for one’s mental health and the role that early medical intervention and self-care may play in reducing the tragically high suicide rate.
Moreover, there is a higher possibility that individuals dealing with different kinds of mental health illnesses can participate in crime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people with poor mental health are more likely to engage in violent behavior, become victims themselves, or abuse others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). This danger is significantly elevated when the person involved has drug issues in addition to their mental condition and has not taken their medication (Kamin et al.,2022). Most criminal acts of people with mental health issues are directed toward individuals in the offender’s immediate social circle. Seeking mental health advice from a medical practitioner and understanding the significance of maintaining good mental health can help avoid such situations.
Economic success and personal well-being are also associated with a person’s mental health. It is always believed that a healthy mind helps one succeed in most things they are doing, such as education, work, and more. For instance, in one report by the CDC, people with severe mental illnesses have a 40% lower income than those with excellent mental health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
According to Kontoangelos and colleagues, nearly 200 million workdays are missed annually due to depression (Kontoangelos et al., 2020). It is common knowledge that people with poor mental health are less productive, which hurts their finances. To ensure high productivity in the workplace and stable financial stability, it is essential to raise awareness for mental health.
Lastly, most persons should care for mental health issues to eliminate stigma in the community and help those affected to seek help. As mentioned earlier, despite the prevalence of mental illness all over the globe, only a fraction of those in need seek care due to fear of stigmatization (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Therefore, the public needs to gather relevant information about these conditions and understand how victims are affected to challenge misconceptions.
This stigma impacts many people, deters them from seeking therapy, and limits the availability of adequate treatment in society. These challenges may overwhelm those with severe mental health issues, leading to comorbidities or death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Therefore, educating people and raising mental health awareness is essential to combat the rising stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health.
Personal Reflection and Insights
Throughout my research on the global mental health crisis, I have gained a deeper understanding of the effects of mental health issues on people and the community. The rate of people affected by mental illnesses is growing significantly, and their impacts are severe. However, I hope the solutions and recommendations I explored in this paper can form a foundation for change in addressing this challenge. Governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders should work together to raise awareness about this issue and educate people on how to care for themselves.
Conclusion
Mental health is a serious global health issue affecting millions. This condition demands immediate attention and collective actions, as its effects are far-reaching. The pervasive stigma and lack of mental health awareness are the top challenges in addressing this crisis all over the globe. However, many solutions and recommendations have been developed over the years, including educating people and raising awareness through mental health campaigns, educating healthcare providers, and individualized strategies, such as staying positive and staying connected with others. Additionally, people must care about mental health because it affects people and the community. This research depends on the public’s understanding of this severe crisis and advocates for support and awareness.
References
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