Date: 1st September 2024
Authors: Vinh Pham
Country: United States
Source: Scott Rupp
SUMMARY
Mental health disorders are health problems that affect how people think, feel, and act. Some common mental health disorders are depression (feeling very sad for a long time), anxiety (feeling very worried), and addiction (not being able to stop using drugs or alcohol). Depression is a big worry because many people have it, and it can make life really hard.
BACKGROUND
There are a few reasons for mental health problems becoming more common. More people know about mental health now, so more people are getting checked by doctors. Life can be stressful these days, with lots of pressure from work, school, and social media. Lastly, people are more open to talking about mental health, so it's not as embarrassing as it used to be.
Mental health problems hurt a lot of people. The World Health Organization says that more than 264 million people around the world have depression. That's a lot of people! These problems also cost a lot of money. In 2010, mental health problems cost the world about $2.5 trillion. By 2030, it might cost $6 trillion. This money goes to doctor visits, medicine, and lost work time when people are too sick to work.
Some groups of people are more likely to have mental health problems: Young adults (ages 18-25) have the most mental health problems. People who are treated unfairly because of their race, the color of their skin, or who they love are more likely to have mental health problems. Poor people often have more mental health problems because they have more stress and less help.
The COVID-19 sickness made mental health problems worse for many people. When people had to stay home and couldn't see friends or family, many felt sad or worried. Some people lost their jobs, which made them feel scared about money. Also, it was harder for people to get help for their mental health during this time.
To fix the mental health problem, we need to do many things: Make it easier for people to see doctors and therapists who can help with mental health. Make sure health insurance pays for mental health care, just like it pays for other health problems. Teach kids in school about mental health, so they know how to stay healthy and get help if they need it. Help people understand that having a mental health problem is not something to be ashamed of. Try to fix big problems in society that can cause mental health issues, like poverty and unfair treatment. Study mental health more to find better ways to help people. Use computers and phones to give mental health help to people who live far from doctors.
But there are still big problems to solve: There aren't enough mental health doctors, especially in small towns or poor areas. Some people still think mental health problems are embarrassing, so they don't get help. Mental health problems often come with other big problems, like using too many drugs or not having a home. We need to fix all these problems together.
In conclusion, mental health disorders represent a complex and growing public health issue that demands continued attention and innovative solutions. By combining improved healthcare practices, expanded access to treatment, effective public health strategies, and supportive policies, we can work towards reducing the devastating impact of mental health disorders on individuals, families, and communities. As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize mental health as an integral part of overall health and well-being, deserving the same level of attention and care as physical health.
REFERENCES
[1] National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
[2] Trautmann, S., Rehm, J., & Wittchen, H. U. (2016). The economic costs of mental disorders: Do our societies react appropriately to the burden of mental disorders? EMBO reports, 17(9), 1245-1249. https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.201642951
[3] Panchal, N., Kamal, R., Cox, C., & Garfield, R. (2021). The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
[4] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019NSDUHFFR1PDFW090120.pdf
[5] American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/sia-mental-health-crisis.pdf
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