Integrating Mental Health Issues in Primary Care
Incorporating family in treatment and recovery for those suffering from mental illness should be a central pillar of all mental health policy. Unfortunately, it is not always practiced in today’s mental health policies. According to Martin, Ridley, and Gillieatt (2017), this is largely due to governments’ exclusion, invisibility, and disempowerment of families.
Challenges
One of the most prominent challenges for health is a lack of access to mental health services. The US National Institutes of Health and the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases collaborated to identify and prioritize 25 global challenges. Experts from 60 countries used successive rounds of assessment and ranking to select the 25 most pressing issues.
Anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are all major health challenges. Some of these conditions lead to harmful behavior, including cutting or eating disorders. While mental illnesses are generally difficult to diagnose, there are some guidelines and tests that can help identify the most common types of disorders.
Barriers
In a recent study, barriers to mental health treatment were reported by almost half of respondents in the United States. These barriers were related to poor insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs. In addition, one in four people reported having to choose between paying for health treatment and daily necessities. The cost of mental health care can be prohibitively expensive, with out-of-pocket costs exceeding $200 for a mental therapist or other specialty treatment.
The factors affecting access to mental health services vary by severity. People with more serious mental illnesses were more likely to report attitudinal or structural barriers to treatment. These factors are consistent with previous research.
Integrating mental health at primary healthcare level
Integrating mental health issues at the primary healthcare level is an important step towards better health for the population. It is an effective way to provide healthcare without disrupting the overall care process. This approach also increases the chances of full recovery and social integration for patients. It is important to note that integrating mental health services into primary care is challenging and will require investment. But, the benefits are significant. Read on to learn more about how primary healthcare can help improve health services in the community.
Currently, mental health disorders are highly prevalent and represent a huge burden on societies worldwide. They often go untreated, causing enormous suffering for individuals and their families. These conditions also pose a significant socioeconomic burden on society. Increasing access to these services can improve the quality of people’s lives and reduce costs.
Impact of untreated mental illness on society
The impact of untreated mental illness on society is extensive, with significant costs in terms of homelessness, incarceration, and deteriorated quality of life. These problems often result in substance abuse and poor performance, and can also lead to poor physical health. While treatment options vary, most treatments are highly effective, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
The economic costs of mental health disorders are enormous, because they limit the labor force and lower economic productivity. A well-educated workforce is needed to maintain a healthy society, and poor mental health can hinder that. For instance, teens with psychiatric conditions like ADHD are less likely to enter the labor force than their peers. Those with substance use disorders are even less likely to be employed. There are also significant differences in the earnings of people with these disorders.
