Mental Health Services

Mental Health Issues and Access to Care

By Brian Long 07/05/2022 2 mins read

The first thing to do if you think your child or loved ones may be experiencing mental health issues is to visit a doctor. A physical examination can rule out physical illness. A visit with a mental professional will include an assessment and interview. The mental health professional will check for any symptoms and assess the severity of the condition. Intervention may be required if there is concern from a friend or family member.

Treatment options

Primary care providers can manage mild to moderate mental disorders, but more serious cases require a team approach. A patient can be helped by psychotherapy or other treatments to overcome mental health problems. There are many treatment options available, depending on the circumstances, severity and medical conditions. Those with severe mental disorders may need psychiatric hospitalization or intensive outpatient care. The treatment that is most effective for each individual patient will depend upon the individual's needs, their health status, and their response to treatment.

Language barriers

It is becoming more difficult for many immigrants and refugees to obtain health care in America, especially in the United States. Around 40 million Americans were born abroad in 2010, representing 13%. About nine percent of the country's population spoke only limited English, or twenty-five million people. Clearly, language barriers pose a barrier to obtaining the health care they need. This is because these individuals are often poor and have to navigate the health system.

Implicit bias

It has long been recognized that implicit bias plays a significant role in the creation of disparities in mental health care, particularly for marginalized groups. Research suggests that implicit biases may be much more common among service providers than previously thought. These biases are subconscious and activate automatically in practitioner-client interactions. They can undermine treatment outcomes and access to care, particularly when they are manifested at the intersection of the criminal justice and mental health systems.

Pandemic's effect on mental health

The COVID-19 epidemic has raised concerns about the potential effects of the virus upon mental health and substance misuse. In early 2020, 41% of adults had symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder. This stress has increased the number of suicide attempts and substance misuse among these adults. This is even more concerning as 11% of the adults surveyed reported that they thought about suicide in the last 30 days. The Pandemic could lead to an increase in suicide rates.

Suicide rates

Suicide is a global problem. Over 703 000 Americans commit suicide each year. Suicide can have significant consequences for families, communities, countries, and individuals. It affects individuals of all ages, from adolescents to the elderly, and it has become the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29 year-olds. Suicide is a worldwide problem; in 2017, 77% of suicides occurred in low and middle-income countries.

FAQ

What can you do if you are experiencing mental health issues

It is vital to seek support if you are experiencing any mental health problems. There are chances that you have suffered trauma or abuse in your past. It is possible that your thoughts about yourself have been affected by this.

An eating disorder, addiction, and other mental illnesses could also be a problem. These disorders can cause serious damage to your life.

You should not attempt to resolve them by yourself. Instead, talk to someone who can help you. Professional therapists can help you overcome these obstacles.

What can I do about mental health issues?

Preventing mental disorders is easy. Here are some things to keep in your mind.

Don't drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can cause depression and affect your mood.
Avoid drugs. Drugs can cause brain damage and worsen your symptoms.
Get enough sleep. You can feel anxious or depressed if you don't get enough sleep.
Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you feel happy and releases endorphins.
Choose healthy foods. You can feel tired and unmotivated if you eat junk food.
Spend quality time with those you love. Spending time together with someone you love can boost your mood.
Have fun! Have fun and explore new things.
Retire from social media. Social media sites can make you feel lonely and isolated.
Be kind to your self. Treat yourself nicely, even if you aren't feeling great.
Ask for help. Ask for help if you are having difficulty coping. Talking to someone you trust can be a help.
Remember, it's OK to cry. Crying helps release tension and stress. It does not mean that anything is wrong.
Keep busy. Try to find something you like.
Maintain good hygiene. Poor hygiene can make you feel unkempt and unattractive.
Keep connected. Staying connected will help you stay positive.
Learn how to relax. You can relax by using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation to help you manage stress.
Find meaning in the things you do. Find meaning in your hobby or work can bring you fulfillment.
Concentrate on the moment. You won't worry about the future if you are focusing on the moment.
Set goals. Goal setting can help you be motivated to reach your goals.
Do something nice for you. It can increase self-esteem to do something nice for yourself.
Practice gratitude. Gratitude is a way to be grateful for all the good in your daily life.
Volunteer. Volunteering can be a fun way to make a difference and spend your time.
Give back. Giving back to others can make it feel fulfilling.
Be alert for warning signs. If you notice any changes in your behavior, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

These are 5 ways to improve your mental and/or emotional health.

Exercise – Physical activity improves brain function as well as increases energy levels.
Sleep – Getting enough sleep can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Nutrition - Eat healthy foods such fruits and veggies to keep your body strong, energized and happy.
Meditation - Regular meditation reduces stress and anxiety.
Socialization - Spending quality time with family and friends keeps us happy.

How does mental health affect our daily lives?

Everyone is affected by mental illness at one time or another. Mental illness is not something that people who are suffering from it don't seek treatment. Talk to someone if you feel something is not right. There are many ways to deal with depression, anxiety, stress, etc., such as therapy, medication, exercise, diet, meditation, and other methods.

Statistics

Neuropsychiatric diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., accounting for 18.7 percent of all years of potential lifespan loss and premature mortality.
Similarly, for positive mental health, there is likely to be substantial agreement about some typical components (e.g., resilience to stress) 6, and controversy about more atypical components (e.g., career consolidation). (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Appropriate nutrition and exercise are likely among the most efficacious and cost-effective positive mental health interventions. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
It means no drinking any alcoholic beverages and no taking any drugs that aren't 100% natural.
More than 40 million adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder, but less than 37% of people seek mental health treatment for their symptoms. (talkspace.com)