Overview
The morning began like any other Tuesday until the phone call from Susan’s friend, Megan, shattered the normalcy. Through choked sobs, Megan revealed her struggles with mental health, a stark contrast to her usual cheerful demeanor. This call served as a powerful reminder for Susan: even those who wear a happy mask can be battling invisible storms within.
The reality is that mental health challenges are surprisingly common. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US currently lives with a mental illness. [1] Despite this prevalence, conversations surrounding well-being have historically focused more on physical health, neglecting the crucial role mental health plays in our overall well-being.
It’s time to break this silence and shed light on some essential facts that many people are unaware of but desperately need to know. Let’s embark on a journey to understand the true meaning of “mental health” and explore its profound impact on each and every one of us.
Mental Health Is More Than Just Feeling Emotions
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being. It allows us to handle stress, learn and work productively, and engage with our community positively. [2] In other words, mental health is our ability to function well both individually and socially. Although we often think that mental feelings are separated from our physical self, our mental and physical activities are actually controlled by our brain. In fact, studies show our mental and physical health are intertwined: having a disorder increases long-term physical risks, while chronic medical issues can heighten mental risks too. [3]
Mental Illnesses Are Widespread
The reality is that mental illnesses are widespread in the world. The WHO statistics reveal that 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world, were living with a mental disorder in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified its prevalence. A large-scale study published in The Lancet Psychiatry based on surveys in 29 nations even indicates that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. [4] In the US, severe conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression affect 1 in 25 adults based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures.
Causes of Mental Illnesses Are Far From Clear-cut
Mental illnesses are complex conditions that can arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Risks may stem from childhood trauma, genetics, medical issues, substance use, loneliness, and socioeconomic hardship. Every individual faces their own unique set of contributing circumstances. Moreover, the WHO indicates there are over 200 diagnoses classified under broad categories such as mood disorders and anxiety disorders, among others. As a result, identifying the underlying causes of someone’s mental health condition can be challenging, to say nothing of determining the most effective treatment.
Less Than Half of Those Struggling Obtain Treatment Currently
While there are a variety of treatment options, such as therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes, many struggling with mental health problems are unable to access care. According to recent statistics from the Mental Health America, approximately 55% of adults with a mental illness in the US, totaling around 28 million individuals, do not receive treatment. [5] One major barrier to seeking care is the high cost of medical treatment, which can be partly attributed to the shortage of mental healthcare professionals.
Lower Socioeconomic Status Linked to Higher Mental Health Risk
The link between poverty, social stress, and mental health conditions is not a new discovery. Social psychiatrists identified this connection over half a century ago. [6] In fact, research consistently finds that those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experiencing poverty, crime, and inadequate infrastructure also experience more mental health issues. People with low socioeconomic status frequently lack education and job opportunities, making frustration and hopelessness more likely as these are known risk factors for poor mental health. Most critically, insufficient finances typically prevent the underprivileged from accessing quality healthcare, including necessary mental health treatment. It is therefore not an exaggeration that mental health problem is a socioeconomic issue as well.
The Invisible Nature of Mental Health Struggles Makes It Challenging for Others to Comprehend
Mental illness differs from physical illness in important ways. Whereas physical ailments have measurable symptoms a doctor can observe, mental illness is more invisible in nature and can vary widely in severity and manifestation between individuals. In fact, some with milder signs may not have their functioning significantly impacted, while those coping with severe symptoms often struggle greatly in their ability to function normally. The unseen quality of mental health issues can make them difficult for others to comprehend or appreciate the limitations individuals may experience. Discerning the true extent of another’s struggle is challenging when the challenges are basically invisible.
Mental Health Stigma Exerts More Harm on Men Than Women
Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that lead to prejudice, discrimination, and the exclusion of individuals with mental health conditions. When people experience stigma, they may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition, which could lead them to treatment avoidance. This can exacerbate their mental health issues and prevent them from accessing the support they need. In the US, although both men and women are affected by mental illness, men are less likely of seeking professional help due to masculine gender norms. That’s why depression and suicide have emerged as leading silent killers of men in the US. [7]
Mental Health Prioritization Is a New Attraction to Talents
A recent report from Deloitte underscored the rising significance of mental well-being in the workplace, especially for Gen Z employees. As this younger generation copes with myriad challenges, their expectations from potential employers have shifted from the emphasis of monetary compensation to overall well-being. Gen Z employees are increasingly drawn to a comprehensive environment that prioritize their mental wellness. With this in mind, companies must incorporate considerations of “mental health” into how they develop strategies for attracting and hiring talents. [8]
Final Thoughts
Mental health impacts most people’s lives either directly or indirectly through family and friends, as it is an inevitable part of our experience. Though mental health issues are often endured privately, increasing awareness underscores the importance of attentiveness to both our mental and physical well-being for total health. With enhanced understanding, communities gain empowerment. This empowerment allows them to come together, recognize signs of struggle, and offer support to those in need. By making mental health a shared priority among individuals and society, we progress toward a community where difficulties are encountered with a supporting system, not alone.
Sources:
- About Mental Health. (2023). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
- World. (2022, June 17). Mental health. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Who.int website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
- https://www.facebook.com/verywell. (2023). The Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Health. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Verywell Mind website: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-mental-and-physical-health-connection-7255857
- Half of World’s Population Will Experience a Mental Health Disorder. (2023, July 31). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Harvard.edu website: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/half-worlds-population-will-experience-mental-health-disorder
- The State of Mental Health in America. (2023). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Mental Health America website: https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america
- Knifton, L., & Inglis, G. (2020). Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications. BJPsych Bulletin, 44(5), 193–196. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2020.78
- Chatmon, B. N. (2020). Males and Mental Health Stigma. American Journal of Men’s Health, 14(4), 155798832094932-155798832094932. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988320949322
- Hess, R. (2023, October 10). Prioritize Mental Health in Recruitment to Attract Top Talent – Recruitment Marketing. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Recruitment Marketing website: https://www.recruitmentmarketing.com/candidate-experience/candidate-engagement/prioritize-mental-health-in-recruitment-to-attract-top-talent/