Mental Health Issues In America Essay

614 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Social psychological stigma of mental illness: public stigma and self stigma

In the United States, one in every four people has some kind of serious mental illness, which is about 61.5 million people.1 Suicide is the tenth leading cause of life loss, and 90% of suicides are related to mental illness.2 In addition, in the case of mass shootings, 60% of shooters suffer from some kind of psychosis.3 It is a matter of concern that, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 60% of people suffering from mental illness were untreated.1 While more effort, more manpower and more money should be invested, the budget for mental health accounts only 5.6 percent of national health care spending.4 Based on my experience, most people do not even know that they are suffering from some kind of serious mental illness and need urgent attention. Even if at some point they realize they are having mental issues, they remain silent to avoid being socially discriminated against. First they have to overcome so many obstacles like social, monetary and so on. First they have to overcome so many obstacles like social, monetary and so on. And after that when they or any family member will finally make a decision, then they will have to face another big challenge to find a mental health specialist. It is not unknown that United States …show more content…

United States has significant shortage of physiatrists. Still most American do not want to apply for psychiatry residency and most of the positions are applied and occupied by foreign citizens.6 Because of less pay and less compensation and to avoid debt of huge amount debt, American medical students are reluctant towards psychiatry and are attracted towards other specialties. According to Association of American Medical College, about 2600 more psychiatrist are needed to provide adequate support to shortage area.6 So, even after health care reform which increasessing the number of insured American, people have less access to mental health

Show More
Related

  • Mental Health Disparities in Rural America

    1699 Words  | 4 Pages

    Mental healthcare has a long and murky past in the United States. In the early 1900s, patients could live in institutions for many years. The treatments and conditions were, at times, inhumane. Legislation in the 1980s and 1990s created programs to protect this vulnerable population from abuse and discrimination. In the last 20 years, mental health advocacy groups and legislators have made gains in bringing attention to the disparity between physical and mental health programs. However, diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses continues to be less than optimal. Mental health disparities continue to exist in all areas of the world.

    Read More

  • African American Mental Health Essay

    1510 Words  | 4 Pages

    Studies have analyzed how African Americans deal with an enormous amount of disease, injury, death, and disability compared to other ethnic group, and whites, Utilization of health services by African Americans is less frequent than other ethnic groups in the country. This non utilization of services contributes to health disparities amongst African Americans in the United States. Current and past studies have shown that because of discrimination, medical mistrust, racial/ethnic background, and poor communication African Americans tend to not seek medical care unless they are in dire need or forced to seek professional care. African Americans would rather self –medicate than to trust a doctor who might show some type of discriminatory

    Read More

  • Media Portrayal of Mental Illness in America

    3886 Words  | 8 Pages

    Due to the endless efforts and research of certain foundations and individuals, the ideas and functions of mental health have improved significantly. The advancements made in the field are impressive and without them, humankind would not be the same. Yet then why do only fewer than eight million people who are in need of help seek treatment? National Mental Health Association, 2001. The history, stigmatization, and perception of mental illness are some of the many reasons behind that alarming statistic.... ...

    Read More

  • Prevalence of Mental Illness in our Criminal Justice System

    2045 Words  | 5 Pages

    In the United States alone, 57.7 million individuals suffer from mental illness. These illnesses range anywhere from mood disorders to anxiety disorders or to personality disorders and so on (The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America). 18 to 25 year olds make up about 30% of these individuals alone (Survey Finds Many Living with Mental Illness Go Without Treatment). These individuals require care from medication to psychiatry or even to confinement. However, of these 57.7 million individuals with mental illness, studies have found that less than one in three of these individuals receive proper treatment (Studies Say Mental Illness Too Often Goes Untreated).

    Read More

  • Essay On Mental Health In America

    541 Words  | 2 Pages

    Mental Health treatment disparities amongst under-class white and African American women. Mental health used to be a taboo topic to discuss in public, or even to the people closest to you. Now it is becoming more acceptable to talk about some aspects of the once controversial topic. Everywhere people look now they are being constantly reminded about how important mental health awareness is, whether it be a suicide prevention hotline posters, celebrities raising awareness on social media, or even in movies. Mental Health is an upcoming social topic that is rightfully becoming more socially acceptable to discuss rather than sweep it under the rug. It is very important that awareness is being practiced whether it be for more common illnesses like depression , or something more serious like schizophrenia it is important that people are educated about mental illnesses so they know how to cope with them, and treat them Although the solution sounds easy it isn't because not everyone has equal access to mental health treatment.There are invisible barriers in the way for some people when it comes to access to mental health treatment. Race and class are two variables that are huge

    Read More

  • Mental Illness Essay

    1958 Words  | 4 Pages

    There are so many types of mental illnesses that affect people every day. When some people think of mental illnesses they think of the ones that would cause people to have physical symptoms as well, but that’s untrue, there are many more that you would never know anyone has if you were to see them on the street. As defined by the 2008 encyclopedia “a mental illness is any disease of the mind or brain that seriously affects a person’s ability or behavior. Symptoms of a mental illness may include extreme moods, such as excessive sadness or anxiety, or a decreased ability to think clearly or remember well.” A mentally ill person has severe symptoms that damage the person’s ability to function in everyday activities and situations. Every nation and every economic level can be affected by a mental illness. In the United States alone about 3% of the population has severe mental illness and to add to that number about 40% of people will experience a type of mental illness at least once in their lives. Some cases of mental illnesses can go away on their own, but some cases are so severe that they require professional treatment. There is so much more available to help people recover from their symptoms than in the past.

    Read More

  • Overcoming Obstacles In The Odyssey

    285 Words  | 1 Pages

    Mental illnesses are daily blockades for many people. These illnesses can restrict people from functioning in their daily lives. It can be a simple tic to severe schizophrenia. They can render your ability to care for yourself or others. The obstacle that is having to be dealt with is different for everyone. For some leaving the house is a struggle, while for

    Read More

  • MHPAEA Case

    992 Words  | 2 Pages

    Out of that population, 6.9%, or 16 million had at least one major depressive episode in the last year. This high prevalence of mental health issues has led to around $193.2 billion in lost revenue per year for American’s alone. The National Alliance on Mental Health (2002) has also speculated that serious mental illness, such as major depressive disorder, have accrued approximately $106.8 billion in healthcare expenditures and federally paid disability

    Read More

  • Mental Illnesses In The Film 'Minds On Edge'

    751 Words  | 2 Pages

    This is surprising because though they do not pose a threat to themselves or others, they are still not in a position to be making adequate decisions on their own. Many of the people referred to outpatient clinics do not get seen because the patient could lose track of time or even be arrested while waiting to be seen. This issue definitely shows that mental health is not taken as a serious issue that needs to be resolved. People are walking around unable to get medical help because their illness is termed as

    Read More

  • The Benefits Of Mental Health Care

    942 Words  | 2 Pages

    Mental health has been hidden behind a curtain of stigma and discrimination for a long time. Suffering, burden, and magnitude in terms of disability and costs to individuals, families, and societies are overwhelming. The world has become more aware of the enormous burden and potential that exists to make progress in mental health. We really need to invest substantially more in mental health and we must do so now. In the United States, government health insurance plans exist for eligible patients with these disorders, although they sometimes do not cover everything patients need.

    Read More

  • Asian American Culture

    720 Words  | 2 Pages

    How are people in your culture viewed or treated when they have a mental illness?

    Read More

  • Why Do We Need Mental Health In Prison

    626 Words  | 2 Pages

    Up until now, there is an apparent lack of funding on mental health institutions. There are shortage of nurses and psychiatrists in mental health facilities, preventing patients to get the right treatment. Second factor we must look at is our poor criminal justice system. According to Dr. Richard

    Read More

  • Mental Illness: A Case Study

    605 Words  | 2 Pages

    442). Patients may have long wait times for treatment, may have to travel long distances for treatment, might not have transportation, and/or may not have a means of paying for the services. On top of, stigma largely plays a role in impeding those with mental illnesses from seeking treatment.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Mental Health

    1102 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mental disorders are rapidly becoming more common with each new generation born in the world. Currently, nearly one in two people suffer from some form of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problem at some point in their lives (Editor). With so many people suffering from their mental illnesses, steps have been taken in order to get help needed for these people but progress has been slow. In the medical world, hospitals are treating those with physical problems with more care than those with mental problems. Prescription drugs can only do so much helping the mentally ill go through their daily lives and more should be done to help those who need more than medicine to cope with their illness. Mental health should be considered just as important as physical health because of how advanced physical healing is, how the public reacts to those with mental illness, and due to the consequences that could happen if the illness is not correctly helped.

    Read More

  • Mental Health Essay

    1582 Words  | 4 Pages

    There should be a holistic approach to the treatment diagnosis and management of the people with mental illness. Such an approach should put into consideration the families of the people with mental illnesses and help them understand the issue. Once they understand, it is easier for them to welcome and help the individuals instead of sending them to institutions. To achieve prompt treatment, the mental health facilities and personnel need to be accessible and operate within the recommended standards.

    Read More

More about Mental Health Issues In America Essay

Open Document