Mental Health Inequality

883 Words2 Pages

Mental health is a major public health challenge in the United States of America (USA) and is a priority for the Government. It is estimated, that every year, one in five American experiences a mental illness. Furthermore, one in twenty five adults in the USA experience a serious mental illness within their lifetime. Furthermore, poor mental health has impacts on individuals and communities as well as tremendous economic implications. Annual losses to the American economy are estimated to be in the excess of $193 billion per year and poor mental health costs workplaces billions in lost productivity from absenteeism, pre-senteeism and turnover. These figures clearly indicate that a poor mental health outcome does not discriminate; it affects …show more content…

Current evidence show that social determinants of mental health are determined by factors such as employment, income support, housing, education, general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions. Additionally, evidence shows that poor mental health is associated with social inequalities. Having a good understanding of the factors that influence the mental health and well-being of those most at risk of poorer mental health is essential to help inform and improve the effectiveness of policies, programs and services to better serve vulnerable populations. There is increasing evidence and understanding of the importance of good mental health and well-being and more is now known about what can be done to sustain mental health and well-being for individuals of all ages. Nationally and globally, there is growing awareness of the social and economic benefits of positive mental health at the population level. Good mental health is associated with better physical health outcomes, improved educational attainment, increased economic participation, and rich social …show more content…

The NIMH should share information with the public to support strategies to strengthen resilience, coping skills, and social connectedness to help reduce the rates of mental health illness among Americans. To optimize the success of interventions it is important to move beyond a problem focused, interventionist approach to one that is more proactive and prevention oriented. Focusing efforts on positive mental health, resilience and on the root causes of mental health problems are important to frame and to address the issue as well as to target policy and program interventions. Culturally appropriate and gender sensitive approaches should also be

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