By Anna McKenzie
The topic of mental health is deeply important and has gained more attention in recent years. In addition to affecting other areas of our lives (physical, emotional, and spiritual), our mental health also impacts our ability to have positive social interactions, form healthy relationships, maintain our jobs, and function at home.
Depression is the most common mental health condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 264 million people worldwide are dealing with depression, which can be debilitating. The American Psychiatric Association Foundation reports that the effects of depression cost US employers around $100 billion dollars every year, including $44 billion in lost productivity.
Depression is the most common mental health condition.
Individuals with mental health conditions suffer a disadvantage in the workplace due to the nature of their symptoms. The New York Times, citing a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry, stated, “People with serious mental illness earn, on average, $16,000 less than their mentally well counterparts, totaling about $193 billion annually in lost earnings.”
Across the world, 45 million people are dealing with bipolar disorder, and 20 million are suffering from schizophrenia. But in low to middle-income countries, up to 85% of people receive no treatment at all for mental health conditions. In general, countries spend just 2% of their budgets on mental health, even though the investment in treatment has a high rate of return. “For every [$1] invested in scaled-up treatment for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, there is a return of [$5] in improved health and productivity,” says the WHO.
Perhaps the darkest side of the lack of mental health treatment is that mental health conditions are a major contributor to the tragedy of suicide. According to Mental Health America, up to 70% of suicide victims suffer from depression or bipolar disorder.
How Perspectives on Mental Health Have Evolved
Historically, mental health issues were poorly understood, and individuals suffering from them were often treated inhumanely. According to the NOBA Project, the 16th century saw the installation of asylums that were mostly intended to keep those with severe mental health issues away from the public, not to help them heal. In the late 1700s, perspectives began to change, and physicians started adopting more compassionate approaches. In Italy, doctors removed restraints and emphasized purposeful actions and good hygiene. In England, a Quaker society set up a retreat in Yorkshire, treating individuals as guests, not prisoners, and encouraging therapeutic physical activity.
Historically, mental health issues were poorly understood, and individuals suffering from them were often treated inhumanely.
Though extreme and primitive forms of treatment arose, developments in psychoanalysis in the 1900s led to an understanding of mental health as being both physiological and psychological. Today, we understand mental health through the biopsychosocial model, which says that some individuals may be genetically predisposed to mental health conditions, but environmental and psychological factors must play a part in order for those conditions to develop. This is also how treatment is structured: Underlying contributors such as stress, social environment, personal history, and chemical imbalances must each be addressed so that recovery can be full and sustainable.
The History of World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is October 10, begun in 1992 by the World Federation of Mental Health. The goal of World Mental Health Day is to provide education and awareness around the subject of mental health, given that mental health conditions are some of the leading causes of illness and disability worldwide. Each year, the World Federation of Mental Health designates a theme for World Mental Health Day, and 2020’s theme is Mental Health for All: Greater Investment, Greater Access. October is also Depression and Mental Health Screening Month.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also reports that one in five American adults experiences a mental illness every year. With the increased stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to help those suffering with mental health conditions and to receive treatment if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.
When Should You Seek Help?
There are different types of mental health conditions, so symptoms vary, but if you are dealing with any of the following, you should consider seeking help:
- Erratic behavior or severe mood swings
- Excessive use of drugs or alcohol to manage intense feelings or changes in mood
- Debilitating feelings of sadness, anxiety, paranoia, or agitation
- Difficulty completing daily tasks or responsibilities
- Sleep disturbances, including restlessness, pervasive nightmares, or insomnia
- Persistent difficulty concentrating or maintaining focus
- Intrusive negative thoughts or thoughts of suicide
Mental Health America has free screening tools online to help you assess your symptoms for certain conditions. If you already have a diagnosed mental health issue and are experiencing severe symptoms, please get in touch with our team today. Through our evidence-based inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, we can help you find the path to healing and long-term recovery.