Introduction
The rise in exposure to healthcare services in recent years has proven the significance of mental health in an individual’s well-being and overall society. Mental health disorders are conditions that have gained momentum in the world, affecting millions of people. Besides the rise of this medical problem, access to quality mental healthcare is still a limitation. Some constraints, such as stigmatization and inadequate availability of treatment services, limit people from acquiring the support they need. Various innovations are emerging to help fight these disorders and improve access to treatment for underserved populations. Digital mental health services are among the innovations that have demonstrated the potential to challenge traditional barriers and offer mental care services to suffering individuals. By capitalizing on the power of modern technology, we can overcome mental health issues and empower affected people to take control of their mental health.
Description of Global Mental Health Problem
Mental health disorder is a condition that can affect people of all ages and any region in the world. It includes a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and bipolar, among others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health issues are the leading cause of global disability and the fourth leading contributor of disease burden (Piao et al., 2022). Mental health problems impose psychological distress like emotional variations, fear, irritation, and persistent sadness. Affected people may experience loss of concentration and memory issues, while the severity of the condition can impact hallucinations and confusion, altering an individual’s perception of reality.
Physical health implications like sleep distraction and fatigue accompany the problem. Chronic stress and anxiety can affect the immune system, making it less defensive, and this makes a patient susceptible to different infections, worsening the already existing health problem. Discrimination and social stigmatization result in isolation and hinder an individual’s ability to seek support (Piao et al., 2022). Mental illness can significantly lower productivity, leading to loss of employment. Patients also experience financial burden from treatment services, such as medication and therapeutic sessions. Some cases have been recorded where people suffering from mental health disorders, especially stress and depression, end up committing suicide. Mental health issues extensively affect the functioning and well-being of humans, undermining their life quality and expectations.
Current Situation of Mental Health Issue
Mental health disorder is a condition that has become prevalent around the globe. Advancement in this problem varies across different populations and regions based on factors like healthcare access and economic, social, and cultural status. According to WHO statistics, about 1 out of 4 people are more likely to suffer from mental issues at some point in their lifetime (Solmi et al., 2022). Besides the constant increase in mental health prevalence, there still exists a treatment gap that limits the affected from acquiring the best care. WHO research findings indicate that more than 75% of people from low to middle-income countries have no access to treatment for their disorders (Carter et al., 2021). Shortage of treatment access includes inadequate health professionals and facilities, discrimination, stigma, and lack of mental health literacy.
The occurrence of COVID-19 worsened the existing mental health challenges through the introduction of new vulnerabilities and stressors. The fear of getting sick, the increased number of deaths, social isolation, and financial uncertainties increased stress, depression, and anxiety levels worldwide (Holingue et al., 2020). Strained hospital services related to the rapid demand for healthcare services left many unattended. To solve the mental health problem, the healthcare sector is currently working on barriers to mental health treatment, such as discrimination and stigma. Various interventions have been set to promote awareness and understanding through education workshops and awareness campaigns. Focusing on integrating mental health services in primary healthcare systems has assisted in ensuring early intervention.
Existing Approaches and Efforts to Address Mental Health
Many organizations across the globe have engaged in a multisectoral approach to mental health through the acknowledgment that the treatment of cognitive problems deserves collaboration between various sectors like education, healthcare, social welfare, and employment opportunities. Efforts to promote awareness about mental disorders help eliminate stigma and motivate the affected group to seek medical assistance (Dalgleish et al., 2020). Introducing educational initiatives within schools, societies, and workplaces is a strategic way of solving the problem from its sources. Through the integration of mental health into primary healthcare settings and the improvement of infrastructures, healthcare systems and governments are working towards the expansion of mental health services through the inclusion of preventative, early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Technology advancements have provided digital methods of mental health care through virtual therapies, mobile applications, and telepsychiatry services. Digital innovations have helped increase access to mental services for many people, including those living in remote areas (Dalgleish et al., 2020). Community-based interventions through mental health programs have assisted in offering peer support to mentally ill people in society. Additionally, global health organizations like WHO have advocated for mental health as a worldwide issue and begun to gather resources to support the affected. Governments plan to deploy more resources to support the mental health care system. There are also ongoing research and innovations tailored to identifying the most effective interventions and new treatment technologies.
Personal Proposal: Telepsychiatry and Digital Mental Health Interventions
Addressing mental health issues around the globe requires the employment of strategies that will help offer support to the affected population. We must also address the prevailing limitations, such as geographic challenges, social stigma, and discrimination (Carter et al., 2021). My proposal as a solution to mental health disorders would emphasize the expansion of telepsychiatry and digital mental health services for diagnosis and treatment. The technology can help deliver services remotely by connecting victims with healthcare professionals through telephone and video conferencing.
Digital platforms can offer individuals personalized support that helps track their problems and link them to treatment options. Mental health experts and patients can be trained to utilize these technologies, making access to health services easy and appropriate for a diverse population in a more convenient and resource-saving method (Carter et al., 2021). Community education through digital platforms like social media can help people become aware of the disorder, reduce stigma, and empower people to seek help for mental health issues.
Conclusion
The mental health issue is a concern that transcends beyond the individual level, affecting society and the world at large. Mental health disorder is a condition that has experienced barriers to treatment access ranging from financial constraints to social stigma. Besides, we have observed tremendous progress towards spreading awareness and advocating for treatment. Governments have also established innovations to enhance treatment and medication for the problem. Based on the personal proposal, telepsychiatry and digital mental health could help many people come out of their mental health burden. Expectations from this intervention would include increased access to mental healthcare due to outreach without the need for mobility. It is easy for victims to start and follow up on consultation programs remotely without spending a penny on transport. It is a reliable method of empowering people to take care of their mental conditions and seek medical attention whenever needed. Digital mental health delivery can help break down barriers to access and ensure that people thrive emotionally and mentally regardless of location.
References
Carter, H., Araya, R., Anjur, K., Deng, D., & Naslund, J. A. (2021). The emergence of digital mental health in low-income and middle-income countries: A review of recent advances and implications for the treatment and prevention of mental disorders. Journal of psychiatric research, 133, 223-246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.016
Dalgleish, T., Black, M., Johnston, D., & Bevan, A. (2020). Transdiagnostic approaches to mental health problems: Current status and future directions. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 88(3), 179. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp000048
Holingue, C., Badillo-Goicoechea, E., Riehm, K. E., Veldhuis, C. B., Thrul, J., Johnson, R. M., … & Kalb, L. G. (2020). Mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults without a pre-existing mental health condition: Findings from American trend panel survey. Preventive medicine, 139, 106231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106231
Piao, J., Huang, Y., Han, C., Li, Y., Xu, Y., Liu, Y., & He, X. (2022). Alarming changes in the global burden of mental disorders in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 31(11), 1827-1845. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-022-02040-4
Solmi, M., Radua, J., Olivola, M., Croce, E., Soardo, L., Salazar de Pablo, G., … & Fusar-Poli, P. (2022). Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: large-scale meta-analysis of 192 epidemiological studies. Molecular psychiatry, 27(1), 281-295. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01161-7
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