My topic is the high prevalence of mental illness in the United States. Mental illness is a serious public health issue in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 5 adults experiencing a mental health disorder in a given year (Wang et al., 2021). Research has shown that mental illness rates have increased over the past decade, with a lack of access to mental health care being a major contributing factor. There is a need for innovative approaches to addressing this issue and increasing access to mental health care for those who need it.
Thesis
Innovative public health approaches, such as integrating mental health services into primary care, expanding telehealth options, and increasing access to mental health care in underserved communities, are necessary to address the high prevalence of mental illness in the United States.
Epidemiological Data
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 20.1% of adults in the United States experienced a mental illness in the past year, with 18.1% experiencing an anxiety disorder and 4.7% experiencing a major depressive disorder (Alonson et al., 2018). Additionally, the report found that 11.2 million adults had unmet needs for mental health care, and the rates of unmet needs were higher for adults with lower incomes and those living in rural areas.
Current Approaches
Currently, the primary approach to mental health care in the United States is through speciality mental health care providers. This is the traditional model of care and is effective for individuals with access to such services (Mitchell et al., 2019). However, the lack of access to mental health services in underserved areas and the financial cost of speciality care can be a barrier to treatment for many individuals.
Trends and Issues
There has been an increase in the prevalence of mental illness in recent years, and access to mental health care has not kept up with the demand. One of the most significant trends is that people of colour are disproportionately impacted by mental illness in the United States. African Americans, for example, are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety than their white counterparts (Holman et al., 2020). Additionally, people of colour are less likely to have access to mental health services and less likely to receive the necessary treatment for their condition. This alarming trend has significant implications for the mental health of communities of colour.
Another trend is the increasing prevalence of mental illness among young people. According to Holman, adolescents and young adults in the United States are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, and the number of young people suffering from mental health conditions has dramatically increased in recent years. This is of particular concern, as mental health issues can be particularly difficult to manage in young people and have significant long-term consequences. A third trend is an increasing stigma surrounding mental illness. Even though mental illness is a medical condition, many people still view it as a sign of weakness or a character flaw. This stigma can have serious consequences, as it can prevent individuals from seeking help or speaking openly about their condition. It is important to combat this stigma to ensure that those with mental illness can access the help they need.
Is It Working?
Generally, the current speciality mental health care approach is effective, but it is not reaching those who need it most. The lack of access to mental health care in underserved areas and the financial cost of speciality care are major barriers to care.
What Innovative Approach is missing?
There is a need for innovative public health approaches to addressing the high prevalence of mental illness in the United States. One approach is integrating mental health services into primary care settings, which can increase access to care for individuals who might not otherwise have access to speciality mental health services (Rajaratnam et al., 2020). Additionally, telehealth options can provide access to mental health care in rural and underserved areas. Finally, increasing access to mental health care in underserved communities can help to address the disparities in access to care.
Summary
Mental illness is a serious public health issue in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 5 adults experiencing a mental health disorder in a given year. The current approach to addressing this issue has not been sufficient, as access to care is still a major barrier. Innovative public health approaches, such as integrating mental health services into primary care, expanding telehealth options, and increasing access to mental health care in underserved communities, are necessary to address the high prevalence of mental illness in the United States.
In conclusion, the high prevalence of mental illness in the United States is a pressing issue that requires greater attention and resources. The importance of mental health care needs to be recognized and prioritized, and individuals with mental illness must have access to effective treatment. Furthermore, we must work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and create an environment of understanding and acceptance. Without proper attention and resources, mental illness will continue to be a significant burden on individuals, families, and communities throughout the United States.
References
Wu, T., Jia, X., Shi, H., Niu, J., Yin, X., Xie, J., & Wang, X. (2021). Prevalence of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 281, 91-98. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A+Research+on+High+Prevalence+of+Mental+Illness+in+the+United+States&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&as_ylo=2018&as_yhi=2022
Auerbach, R. P., Mortier, P., Bruffaerts, R., Alonso, J., Benjet, C., Cuijpers, P., … & Kessler, R. C. (2018). WHO World Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project: Prevalence and distribution of mental disorders. Journal of abnormal psychology, 127(7), 623. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A+Research+on+High+Prevalence+of+Mental+Illness+in+the+United+States&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&as_ylo=2018&as_yhi=2022
Holman, E. A., Thompson, R. R., Garfin, D. R., & Silver, R. C. (2020). The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic: A probability-based, nationally representative study of mental health in the United States. Science advances, 6(42), eabd5390. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A+Research+on+High+Prevalence+of+Mental+Illness+in+the+United+States&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&as_ylo=2018&as_yhi=2022
Czeisler, M. É., Lane, R. I., Petrosky, E., Wiley, J. F., Christensen, A., Njai, R., … & Rajaratnam, S. M. (2020). Mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic—United States, June 24–30, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(32), 1049. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A+Research+on+High+Prevalence+of+Mental+Illness+in+the+United+States&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&as_ylo=2018&as_yhi=2022
Sangalang, C. C., Becerra, D., Mitchell, F. M., Lechuga-Peña, S., Lopez, K., & Kim, I. (2019). Trauma, post-migration stress, and mental health: A comparative analysis of refugees and immigrants in the United States. Journal of immigrant and minority health, 21(5), 909-919. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A+Research+on+High+Prevalence+of+Mental+Illness+in+the+United+States&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&as_ylo=2018&as_yhi=2022
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