Introduction
Usually, when people think of illness, they think of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. Indeed, these conditions are leading and most prevalent in the world, but all of them are strict in their physical nature. Not many people realize that mental illness has a similarly profound effect on life as well. The negative consequences of an unsatisfactory mental state have physical, psychological, and financial aspects. There is a close relationship between a person’s psyche and physical condition. According to Melamed et al. (2020), people with unresolved mental health problems visit general practitioners twice as often as those who receive specialized psychological care. Excessive anxiety and stress can contribute to the development of certain heart diseases and weaken the immune system. According to Chisholm et al. (2019), about 27% of American adults annually suffer from some form of mental illness, the most common of which are anxiety disorders and depression. This causes a person’s thinking, behavior, and emotional state. The patient has abnormal thoughts and perceptions of reality, including hallucinations, suicidal tendencies, paranoia, unstable emotional state, behavioral reactions, and difficulties communicating with people.
An equally significant negative consequence of poor mental health is the financial aspect. Chisholm et al. (2019) note that the cumulative cost of mental illness to the global economy in 2018 was US$4.5 trillion and is projected to rise to US$6 trillion by 2030. These figures exceed the 2018 and 2030 economic losses from cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Chisholm et al., 2019). This is because mental illness leads to temporary or permanent disability and early retirement. Thus, caring for individual, group, and public mental health is a crucial issue for the health care system. Mental health is an essential element of public health, which largely determines the economic and social well-being of the nation.
Causes
Numerous social, psychological, and biological factors determine a person’s mental health. The tendency of most people to be misinformed about matters of mental health further exacerbates the issue. According to Deighton et al. (2019), persistent socio-economic pressures are a risk factor for the mental health of individuals and communities. The clear evidence is related to poverty indicators, including low education levels (Williams, 2021). Without proper education, individuals remain ignorant, unable to recognize how mental illness is perpetuated, and how they can combat it (Williams, 2021). Poor mental health is also associated with rapid social change, stressful work environments, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyles, risks of violence and physical ill-health, and human rights violations (Pérez et al., 2021). In an unstable society, it is difficult to keep oneself in check.
Mental health and wellness are among the chief considerations for many of today’s people. The mental health of the entire population is the subject of concern for legislators, mental health professionals, and regular people. Among the reasons that negatively affect the state of mental health of the population during this period, experts identify the following. Godinić and Obrenovic (2020) highlight economic causes of poor mental health, such as low wages and benefits, deteriorating living, working, medical and recreational conditions, and deteriorating dietary patterns and quality. Deighton et al. (2019) note excessive stress loads due to the socioeconomic instability of society and its high criminalization among psychological factors. Magson et al. (2021) report a decrease in the general level of culture, including hygiene, which contributes to the spread of bad habits and unhealthy lifestyles and negatively affects mental health. In general, the worsening financial situation of the population, the growth of instability, and the loss of confidence in the future contribute to the deterioration of the population’s mental health.
Nowadays, due to the unprecedented intensity of the politicization of society and the division into diverse ideological directions, an important factor affecting people’s mental health is the information impact. Bucci et al. (2019) indicate that the direction, intensity, volume, and strength of direct and hidden informational impact form in people a subjective perception of what is happening, a feeling of psychological comfort and discomfort, and correlates with their level of mental health. Thus, mental health problems are exacerbated by economic, social, cultural, and informational factors.
Solutions
Therefore, the above trends actualize the need for measures to protect mental health. Mental health protection includes a series of initiatives and actions to facilitate the necessary living conditions and environments that enable people to lead healthy lives. This constitutes a range of actions aimed at making more people more likely to have better mental health. According to Delgadillo and Lutz (2020), maintaining a high level of mental health is very difficult in the absence of the security and freedom afforded by civil, political, socioeconomic, and cultural rights. Thus, an environment in which fundamental human rights are respected and protected is the foundation of mental health care.
Moreover, a national mental health policy should focus not only on mental disorders but also on broader aspects that contribute to mental health. Mental health issues need to be considered in policies and programs in the public and non-public sectors. In addition to the health sphere, other areas of society – welfare, housing, education, legislation, and many others, must also be involved in addressing these issues.
To protect mental health, it is advisable to carry out some activities. Kilbourne et al. (2018) highlight interventions such as early childhood activities, child support, social and economic empowerment for women, and social support for older populations. Thus, as part of these activities, preschool psycho-social initiatives, home visitations for pregnant people, development programs for the young population, an increased degree of access to education, friendly support initiatives, and day community centers in local areas are helpful. An equally significant aspect is the protection of mental health in the workplace. Moroz et al. (2020) note the importance of stress prevention programs for employees. Moreover, policies to address housing problems and prevent violence are essential. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is a crucial aspect of mental health care.
References
Bucci, S., Schwannauer, M., & Berry, N. (2019). The digital revolution and its impact on mental health care. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 92(2), 277-297.
Chisholm, D., Docrat, S., Abdulmalik, J., Alem, A., Gureje, O., Gurung, D., Hanlon, C., Jordans, M., Kangere, S., Kigozi, F., Mugisha, J., Muke, S., Olayiwola, S., Shidhaye, R., Thornicroft, G., & Lund, C. (2019). Mental health financing challenges, opportunities and strategies in low- and middle-income countries: findings from the Emerald project. BJPsych Open, 5(5), e68.
Deighton, J., Lereya, S. T., Casey, P., Patalay, P., Humphrey, N., & Wolpert, M. (2019). Prevalence of mental health problems in schools: poverty and other risk factors among 28 000 adolescents in England. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 215(3), 565-567.
Delgadillo, J., & Lutz, W. (2020). A development pathway towards precision mental health care. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(9), 889-890.
Godinić, D., & Obrenovic, B. (2020). Effects of economic uncertainty on mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic context: social identity disturbance, job uncertainty and psychological well-being model. International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, 6(1), 61-74.
Kilbourne, A. M., Beck, K., Spaeth‐Rublee, B., Ramanuj, P., O’Brien, R. W., Tomoyasu, N., & Pincus, H. A. (2018). Measuring and improving the quality of mental health care: A global perspective. World Psychiatry, 17(1), 30-38.
Magson, N. R., Freeman, J. Y., Rapee, R. M., Richardson, C. E., Oar, E. L., & Fardouly, J. (2021). Risk and protective factors for prospective changes in adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50(1), 44-57.
Melamed, O. C., Hahn, M. K., Agarwal, S. M., Taylor, V. H., Mulsant, B. H., & Selby, P. (2020). Physical health among people with serious mental illness in the face of COVID-19: Concerns and mitigation strategies. General Hospital Psychiatry, 66, 30-33.
Moroz, N., Moroz, I., & D’Angelo, M. S. (2020). Mental health services in Canada: Barriers and cost-effective solutions to increase access. Healthcare Management Forum, 33(6), 282–287.
Pérez, M. A., Cerna Cano, J. C., Alonso-Palacio, L. M., & Chacón-Andrade, E. (2021). Addressing Mental Health Issues During Health Crisis Situations. Salud Uninorte, 36(1), 14-24.
Williams, N. (2021). How does education affect mental health? News-Medical.net.