The Growing Importance of Mental Health in Modern Society

Over 169 million people in the United States live in federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPAs). In particular, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities face the most significant gaps in care in these areas. 

This shortage, exacerbated by structural inequities, is contributing to the country’s mental health crisis. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that people of all ages, especially youth, are experiencing mental health problems at an alarming rate.

Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) report that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year. More than 1 in 7 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder every year.

Figures from multiple prominent organizations in the field indicate that not only is there a mental health crisis, but the country needs to get creative in solving the workforce shortage. Fortunately, new courses allowing health professionals to specialize and provide mental health care are being developed.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner online programs are one example of how education is evolving to meet the rising demand for mental health professionals. Mental health has become an integral part of modern society, and everyone deserves equitable access to care. 

What is mental health?

Mental health is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their communities.”

Mental health is complex and is experienced differently by everyone. Various factors, like family, community, structural factors, and personal circumstances, can impact a person’s mental health.

Examples of common mental health conditions include:

• Generalised anxiety disorder

• Depression

• Social phobias

• Panic disorders

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Eating disorders

The WHO organization reports that more than a billion people (1 in 7) globally are living with a mental health condition. Mental health conditions can affect people of all ages and income levels, and represent the second-biggest reason for long-term disability, and contributes to poor quality of life.

Why is mental health important?

Mental health is important because it influences how we think, feel, and act. Recent research has shown that mental health also has an impact on our physical health, and the two systems are interconnected. 

Although the mind and body are commonly viewed as being separate, good mental health can positively affect your physical health and vice versa. Poor mental health is linked to increased risk for a range of physical conditions and ailments, such as:

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Certain cancers

• Poor sleep

When to seek professional support

There’s never a bad time to seek professional help for mental health, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Therapists and counselors can help improve your quality of life and protective factors against mental health conditions.

If you are struggling with your mental health, telltale signs that you should seek professional support include:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Change in appetite or unplanned weight gain/loss

• Difficulty performing activities (e.g., getting out of bed) due to mood

• Loss of interest in activities you usually find enjoyable

• Feelings of irritability, hopelessness, and/or frustration

• Difficulty concentrating and staying on task

• Ruminating on thoughts

• Feelings of anxiety or impending doom

How can you find help?

If you’re concerned about your mental health, you should talk to your primary care provider. Your general physician can refer you to a qualified health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, and explain your options.

In addition to seeking support from a psychologist or psychiatrist, there may also be free community options and services in your area. There are also mental health helplines, like Lifeline Chat and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

What is the mental health crisis?

The mental health crisis, as explained by the CDC and Pew, is a new public health threat. A report from JAMA Health Forum has noted that 38% more people are in mental health care since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Across the nation, people of all ages are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. One organization reports that this ongoing mental health crisis actually consists of various distinct crises that overlap. These crises are:

• The growing youth mental health crisis

• The rise in substance use disorders

• The mental health workforce shortage

• The increasing number of serious mental illnesses

Understanding the mental health crisis is crucial for understanding why mental health is important in modern society and the gaps that exist in accessing care. 

The workforce shortage

The entire healthcare sector is currently experiencing a workforce shortage, from nurses to general practitioners, but mental health is being impacted particularly hard. Currently, it’s estimated that 6.1 out of 29.5 million adults with any mental illness in the past year were not able to access mental health care.

According to a report from the American Psychological Association, 60% of psychologists have no openings for new patients. So, along with the workforce shortage, the professionals who remain are overworked and understaffed; they don’t have the capacity to take on more patients.

Understanding the mental health gap

The mental health gap refers to the ‘gap’ between the number of people experiencing mental, neurological, or substance use disorders and those who actually receive help. This gap could be caused by various factors, such as costs, stigma, and/or the ongoing workforce shortage.

The mental health gap is a complex issue, with numerous factors contributing to the gap widening every year, which is also worsening the mental health crisis. These include:

• Social determinants: People living in unfavorable social circumstances experience inequity in accessing health care, including mental health support, and are more vulnerable.

• High out-of-pocket costs: Mental health treatments, such as psychologist appointments, are often more expensive than physical care. Mental health treatments are also not covered by insurance in the same way.

• Lack of care: It can be hard to find appropriate or inclusive mental health services for minority and underserved groups, like people of color, non-English speakers, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Barriers to mental health services are worsening across the country in a time when mental health is more important than ever in modern society. It’s a complicated issue that will require a complex solution to fix.

A report from Mental Health America highlights how dire the situation has become. The report details how nearly 1 in 4 adults who experienced 14 or more days of poor mental health were unable to see their doctor due to costs.