Mental health conditions are a significant public health issue in Australia, with an estimated 4.8 million individuals encountering mental illness annually (Rossell et al. 2021). Social and ecological determinants of well-being, for example, an individual’s socio-economical position, access to medical services, and day-to-day environments, can all prompt poorer health outcomes for Australians with a mental health conditions (Rossell et al. 2021).
Socio-economic position can fundamentally affect mental health. Individuals with lower socio-economic status are bound to encounter poorer mental health and have poorer access to health services (Yazd et al 2020). This can prompt delays in recognition and treatment, as well as lack of access to quality care. Living in poverty can likewise prompt sensations of hopelessness and desperation, which can additionally aggravate mental health issues. Furthermore, individuals with lower socio-economic status are bound to encounter more elevated levels of pressure and tension because of their absence of financial security.
Access to medical services is likewise a significant figure deciding the health results of individuals with mental health condition. Individuals with mental health conditions frequently experience issues getting to medical care because of stigma and segregation (Gorczynski et al 2021). This can prompt delays in diagnosis and treatment, as well as an absence of admittance to quality consideration. Furthermore, individuals with mental health conditions might not approach the essential resources to deal with their condition, for example, support networks and counselling services (Ketheesan et al 2020). This can prompt less fortunate health results and a decline in personal satisfaction.
Environmental environment can also have an effect on the health of those diagnosed with mental illnesses (Sameroff et al 2021). For example, Poor air quality, has been related to an increase in mental health concerns such as anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, exposure to violent surroundings might considerably raise the likelihood of acquiring mental health issues as a result of the psychological trauma experienced (Sameroff et al 2021).
The outcomes of people with mental diseases in terms of their health can also be significantly impacted by their living situations. Due to a lack of privacy and security, those who live in overcrowded or subpar housing are more likely to have poor mental health (Amerio et al 2020). Additionally, residing in a high-crime or low-income area can exacerbate mental health issues by causing emotions of fear and insecurity (Buckley et al 2019).
For Australians who have been diagnosed with a mental health illness, the Social Ecological Model offers a helpful framework for understanding how social and environmental variables might result in worse health outcomes. According to this paradigm, interactions between factors at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy levels affect health outcomes (Mikocka-Walus et al 2021).
Socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and living circumstances can all have an impact on an individual’s mental health. Stigma, prejudice, and a lack of social support systems can make interpersonal mental health issues worse (Van Rheenen et al 2020). Insufficient housing, poverty, and crime can also have a negative impact on mental health at the community and public policy levels (Giorgi et al 2020). Health outcomes being worse can also be caused at the organizational level by insufficient healthcare services and a lack of resources (Ridley et al 2020)
Housing is a fundamental human right and plays a huge role in ensuring mental health. Access to a safe, secure, and affordable home can provide a sense of stability and comfort that is essential for mental wellbeing (Amerio et al 2020). Unfortunately, many people with mental health issues are unable to access adequate housing, which can compound their existing issues. Aboriginal people with mental health issues are particularly vulnerable to this, and have often been stigmatized and further marginalized as a result of their housing situation (Van Rheenen et al 2020).
In conclusion, factors related to social and environmental factors can significantly affect how Australians with mental health disorders fare in terms of their health. Access to healthcare and living conditions, as well as socioeconomic status, are all associated with poorer mental health among such populations (Westrupp et al 2021). The Social Ecological Model offers an invaluable framework for comprehending the complex interactions between many variables that affect health outcomes. In order to improve the health outcomes of people with mental health issues, it is crucial to address the underlying social and environmental factors that can result in poorer health outcomes (Sameroff et al 2021).
References
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Yazd, S. D., Wheeler, S. A., & Zuo, A. (2020). Understanding the impacts of water scarcity and socio-economic demographics on farmer mental health in the Murray-Darling Basin. Ecological Economics, 169, 106564.
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