Ways to Improve the Mental Health Landscape
By Chloe Bennett
When it comes to our overall wellbeing mental health and physical health are equally important. But, there is still a huge gap in mental health care services versus traditional medical care; more needs to be done to promote mental health and improve intervention and support services for those living with a mental illness. Additionally, raising awareness and breaking down stigma barriers are critical components of changing the mental health conversation—encouraging people to seek help.
Keeping these factors in mind, here are some suggestions for how to improve the mental health landscape.
Make mental health care part of the primary health care system
Mental health and physical health are oftentimes treated separately; primary health care is a visit to a general practitioner, who then refers you to a hospital or specialist, depending on the diagnosis. Why not integrate the two? There is growing evidence to support the integration of mental health services through the use of non-expert mental health practitioners—or even existing general practitioners—who can diagnose and treat most common mental health issues. This is a cost-effective way of approaching the large-scale issue, while ensuring those living with a mental illness (and their loved ones) have a holistic health care experience from the beginning.
“The benefits of integrating mental health services into primary care systems are numerous: not only does it help to break down the stigma of those (living with mental illness) suffering having to seek out mental health professionals and support services, it should lead to early identification of problems, especially for poorer parts in society, and leads to a community-based involvement in the health of that community,” argues Henrietta Cho, a health expert at State Of Writing and Big Assignments.
More mental health advocacy
Advocacy is paramount to improving mental health care because it protects the rights of the person living with a mental illness. Most countries have a come a long way since the days where mentally ill individuals were simply removed from society against their will. But, strong advocacy is still vital to protecting the rights of those affected. Every person can take action to raise mental health awareness in their community. It’s imperative we use our voices to advocate for improved mental health care.
“Autonomy is essential for the (person living with a mental illness) sufferer, and advocacy protects this right. Mental health charities are doing so much from this perspective, but the battle is not completely won,” states Robert Ghent, a health blogger at Assignment Writers and Academized.
Balancing the treatment of mental health illness
There needs to be a better balance between pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions for individuals living with a mental illness or experiencing distress. Additionally, field experts and interdisciplinary professionals need to re-evaluate the accessibility and availability of emergency and ongoing mental health support services for people who need help.
Stronger legislation
Changing the mental health landscape will only happen with the ongoing support of our government. We’ll need revamped and new legislation, along with sufficient funding, training, and support of professionals, to improve mental health care.
It takes a concerted, collective effort to bridge the widening mental health care gap. I hope these suggestions ignite that advocacy spark within you, acting as a catalyst to propel our efforts to change the mental health landscape.
Content editor Chloe Bennet is a woman of many talents. As well as her work for Research Paper Service and UKWritings, she helps various start-ups with content management. Also, Chloe writes about self-help at Online Assignment Help.
If you are in a crisis, dial 2-1-1, in Connecticut. If you are outside of Connecticut and need support now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or, text “HOME” to 741741 to get help 24/7 from the Crisis Text Line.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit the Jordan Porco Foundation’s resources page.
