‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others’ (Orwell, 1945). Unfortunately this is the reality of the world we humans live in. The social divide keeps getting wider and a lot of individuals find themselves at the wrong end of the social divide and all its implications. This essay intends to highlight the impact life course perspective has on the well being of adolescents with mental health problems, how this results in social health inequality and the role social workers have in alleviating this inequality. It is pertinent to note that these adolescents are already burdened with mental health challenges and the impact this has on their lives. However these mental conditions often result in physical health challenges …show more content…
The definition of health by WHO and adopted by IFSW is holistic, as it embodies both the medical model and the social model of health. Health is described as not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It also encapsulates both physical, mental and social well being (WHO 2015). Bywaters describes health inequality as an indication of social injustice and the violation of human rights (Bywaters, 2015). Health inequality is defined by Dave Backwith as the differences in the rate of illnesses and deaths, which occur between socio economic groups. He however goes on to concur with Rose and Hartzenbuehler (2009) that health inequality results from systemic poverty and discrimination which creates psychosocial injuries (Backwith, 2015). Braveman succinctly describes health inequality as the difference in health resulting from socioeconomic disadvantages (Braveman, 2004, cited in Bywaters, 2015). It is crucial to recognise the fact that social inequalities as the term denotes arises predominantly from disparities in social gradients in life. Therefore studies have shown that countries with higher levels of income inequality have more health and social problems when compared to countries with lower levels of income inequalities (Wilkinson and Picket, 2009, 2010). Health inequality results from negative social conditions like poverty, unemployment and impaired mobility which have impacted negatively on individuals health (Fish and Karban,
According to the World Health Organisation (2017) the social determinants of health are defined as the conditions where people are born, grown, work and live, which also includes the health system. The social determinants of health determined populations health’s outcomes and therefore linked with health inequalities (WHO, 2017)
Health Disparities and Racism is an ongoing problem that is reflected among society. Health is when an individual is physically, mentally and social well being is complete. However health disparities seems to be a social injustice within various ethnicities. Health disparities range from age, race, income, education and many other things. Even though we realize health disparities are more noticeable depending on the region of country where they live in. Racism is one of the most popular factors, for why it’s known that people struggle with health.
Social determinants of health have attracted the attention of governments, policy makers and international health organisations over the last three decades (Hankivsky & Christoffersen 2008). This is because social conditions which people are born in, live and work play an important role in their health outcomes (WHO 2015). According to Kibesh (1200) social determinants drive health disparities, disrupts the human developmental process and undermine the quality of life and opportunities for people and families (ref). Thus, several theories have been developed over the years to provide in-depth understanding of the social determinants of health and to reduce health inequalities (Hankivsky & Christoffersen, 2008). However, there is still significant
The lifestyle that people live in can ultimately change what your mental health standing can be. Social status is something that can be a huge determinant for someone’s mental health. Within Canada a lot of people worry what other people think of them. One way someone can feel excluded through life is through economic exclusions. If someone is looked at to be rich they are looked at to have a better mental health status, but if they are poor than they will be more susceptible to mental health issues in their life. When people have more money it means that they will have an easier life where they have nothing to worry about. Poor people are more likely to be mentally ill because they do not have the friends or support to help them get better.
The elimination of disparities in mental health care among ethnic, racial and underprivileged populations, specifically minorities remains a challenge amongst mental health care workers and medical professionals. Many minority areas are more impoverished, rely on government assistance and have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, chronic diseases, and injuries compare to any other ethnicity. In recent studies there are strategies to help eliminate disparities in mental health care, such as improving health care access, quality, offering diverse mental health workforce, providers, and patient education. These are just several strategies that can help assist in disparities. The goal is to reduce or eliminate racial, ethnic and socioeconomic health inequalities that affect minorities.
Even in the most prosperous countries, people who are less affluent have considerably shorter life expectancies and much more sicknesses than people who are wealthy. Social determinants are considered to be the circumstances in the places where people dwell, gain knowledge of life situations, where someone’s job is, where we have fun, and age which is also included as a social determinant. These social determinants have an effect on a wide array of health risks and outcomes. “These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources at global, national, and local levels, which are themselves influenced by policy choices. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities--the unfair and avoidable
Nordqvist, Christian stated some facts about health, “ health can be defined as a physical, mental, and social well being, and a resource for living a full life. It refers not only to the absence of disease, but the ability to recover and bounce back from illness. Factors for good health include genetics, the environment, relationship, and education.”(page2). Health can be defined in many factors, but they all relate to a person's status and where their class in the economy. If one is wealthy, he or she can have access to healthcare that provides treatment to any of their health issues. But for the people who have low income, they can not afford health insurance and have a higher risk of becoming ill because they don’t have the resources to live a full healthy life. Most of those individuals have mental health issues because they often stress about living and surviving everyday with so little income. Christian Nordiqvist also said, “According to the WHO, the higher a person's socioeconomic status (SES), the more likely they are to enjoy good health, a good education, a well-paid job, afford good healthcare when their health is threatened” (pg.2). Christian is correct because the wealthier a person is, the higher chance of being in good health because he or she has the privilege of good health
This period is marked by physical, social, moral and emotional development (Davies, Hartdegen, Haxell, Le Geyt & Mercier, 2012). It is a time when the adolescent’s sense of self or identity is becoming much more clear and they are beginning to understand their role in society, starting to question the morals of others and contemplating their own moral and ethical beliefs (Davies et al., 2012). During this time Erik Erikson believed that adolescents are faced with the psychosocial stage of identity versus role confusion (Berk, 2008). Adolescents explore their values and role in society, overcoming this conflict to better understand their own identity, however if they do not fully overcome this conflict, Erikson believed that the adolescent would be confused about their values and future adult roles (Berk, 2008). This conflict was clearly demonstrated in my own development during the late teenage years when I experienced both the results of failing to overcome and then overcoming Erikson’s fifth psychosocial stage. At age eighteen I finished secondary school and began my tertiary studies, I had been accepted into the degree I had wanted to study since middle childhood, however I quickly learnt that I was enjoying neither my studies nor my experience of life in halls of residence. I discontinued my studies after only
A person’s health along with the health of a community are influenced heavily by the social determinants of health. These determinants create a strong foundation for a healthy and proper development of a community (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2013). Further, a proper foundation will allow the children within the community to develop properly, which will foster their potential for intellectual and physical intelligence. This paper will explore the effects of healthy childhood development, personal health practices and coping skills, health services and income and social statuses with in the Maple Leaf neighbourhood. Further, this paper will explore how the above social determinants of health directly affect the students of St. Fidelis school. Lastly, this paper will explain how the rise in cavities within these children is an issue as well as approached to overcome this issue.
Structural-functional views show the importance of being connected to friends and family to remain mentally happy and healthy. Symbolic-interaction shows us that we need to be proactive when it comes to youth and bullying and make sure that there is absolutely no tolerance for this behavior, because youth take to heart and internalize what others think about them. The social conflict perspective educates us on the importance that teens place on money and power and places socioeconomic youth at risk for many behaviors that can be linked to suicide and depression. Looking at teen depression and suicide through different sociological perspective provides an awareness and gives us valuable information that should be shared to make a difference in teen depression and suicide
Marmot in his famous article titled Social Determinants of Health Inequalities firmly stated that actions targeted to improve healthcare access should not be focused only on healthcare system but rather on the social determinants of health. Marmot reiterated that health inequalities, disparities and social determinants of health are totally preventable through more inclusive wider social policies. He insists that inequalities of health between and within geographical areas can be reduced through positive actions.3 And such actions should be focused towards improving the social determinants of health in all areas to give everyone equal access to healthcare services.2-3 Explaining that lack of healthcare access are driven by SDOH, Marmot further argues that health cannot be improved by itself alone, but by enhancing those factors that determine health.
According to Beatrix A. Hamburg’s personal assessment from the Office of Technology, that 2.5 million of these children are receiving treatment and twelve percent of children under the age of eighteen suffer from a serious mental disorder, which represents 7.5 million youngsters in the United States. Mental health disorders could lead to difficulties in adolescence and problems in adulthood (2012). However, those with more severe mental disorders do tend to receive mental health services.
Poverty is defined as: the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions. Poverty does not care what age, sex, race, or religion you are, poverty is not just what you see on television, it doesn’t just happen in third world countries, it is real and can be right in front of your face. I remember hearing stories on the radio and television of celebrities that were homeless before they made it big. After Jim Carrey’s father lost his job, they found themselves living out of a van. Charlie Chaplin was homeless and searching for food at the age of 14 after his father died and his mother was committed to a mental asylum. It can happen to anyone.
Youth and families found entangled within the justice systems, diagnosed with some form of emotional disorder, and / or have encountered trauma of some kind will have an emotional need to be met. Mental health related issues could be found at the root of many social problems that exist.
Indeed, it has previously been demonstrated that an accumulation of factors increase the likelihood of mental health issues developing (Sameroff, 2006). Therefore, a comprehensive approach is required to tackle mental illness involving an array of services. This paper identifies these services as the education system, social services and mental health services. These services have been chosen because of Claveirole (2010), illuminating three causal groups of mental health. For instance, education represents an aspect of social environments; social services examine the individual’s family and in some cases, the individual’s behaviour. Whilst finally, mental health services themselves examine the individuals psyche. Therefore, these three service types study the factors that have been identified to cause mental