The Role Of Public Health In Promoting Good Mental Health

Mental health and its related illnesses contribute to a significant burden of overall disease prevalence globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least one-fourth of the entire world population will develop a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Yet, despite its substantial prevalence, many people continue to attach a stigma to its occurrence.

When you look at studies conducted in the past, you’ll see how the impact of mental health is evident across all aspects of life. It’s present among every cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic group and has long-term implications when not given the appropriate care. But despite being integral to an individual’s overall well-being, mental health is often overlooked and not considered as significant as physical health. However, research shows a close link between the two and proves how mental illnesses can influence the onset, progression, risk, and outcome of other chronic diseases.

Fortunately, mental health and its associated stigma and prejudices are finally starting to receive their due diligence. Healthcare workers better understand its significance, and many new studies focus on developing effective treatments for mentally ill patients. However, this is only the beginning, and the work is far from over.

Since the public health sector primarily works to maintain the overall well-being of communities, it falls on its shoulders to promote good mental health as well. Here, we list the top five approaches it can undertake to achieve this.

1. Launch mental health awareness programs

Raising awareness and educating the general public on prevalent health concerns is a crucial responsibility for those who work in the public health sector. By taking advanced programs like an MPH Degree Online, professionals can enhance their knowledge and develop essential skills to achieve this goal more conveniently. Armed with the correct information and statistics, a public health official can help people understand the underlying causes of mental illnesses. This approach can significantly reduce stigmas and prejudices associated with mental disorders. Besides patients, family members and loved ones can also be made aware of potential symptoms of a mental illness and prevent it from getting worse.

The more tailored a mental health awareness program is for a particular community, the better the chances of addressing underlying concerns and issues. Therefore, while public health officers can use a generic plan to build their idea, they must ensure it stays relevant to the audience.

2. Conduct routine surveillances

The primary reason why mental health disorders are not well-understood is that they’re usually underfunded and don’t receive as much attention as physical illnesses. And the limited resources that are available typically don’t get utilized as efficiently as they could due to a lack of reliable data. However, by conducting routine surveillance programs within communities—the public health sector can identify patterns and trends of potential mental health issues in particular demographics. They can then refocus their efforts and funding on priority areas, making decisions based on tangible information.

With the relevant individuals or groups receiving the needed intervention or care, mental health in the community can slowly improve. This can eventually make a positive impact on a much larger national scale.

3. Practice early childhood intervention

Studies show that childhood experiences significantly affect an individual’s mental health as they grow into adulthood. For example, those with adverse childhood events or trauma are more at risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, or self-harm. Therefore, by practicing early childhood interventions, healthcare workers can tackle the problem early on and prevent it from becoming more harmful. These interventions are programs or services designed to support young children’s development and well-being, typically those at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. They can include therapy, family support, education, and training for parents and caregivers.

Evidence suggests that early childhood intervention can be a practical approach to promoting good mental health among communities. Additionally, early childhood intervention programs can promote healthy development and build resilience in young children, which can help protect against mental health problems. These can provide young children with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential and help reduce the risk of mental health problems later in life.

4. Implement regular counseling in schools and workplaces

Contrary to popular belief, counseling or therapy is not just for patients with a mental illness or those going through a particularly challenging time. Every individual—healthy or not, must get regular counseling to keep their mental health in check and promote well-being. Communities, schools, and workplaces are examples of where the public health sector can focus on ensuring counseling becomes routine.

In schools, regular counseling can help identify and address students’ mental health issues early, preventing these issues from becoming more severe or persistent. Counseling can also provide students with the tools and skills they need to manage their mental health and well-being, which can improve their overall well-being and academic performance. Similarly, counseling can help employees manage their mental health in workplaces, positively impacting productivity, job satisfaction, and overall organizational performance. Counseling can also provide employees with the support they need to cope with the demands and challenges of work, which can reduce the risk of mental health problems.

5. Build social support in communities

One of the main reasons why mental health illnesses can be so draining is that they make an individual feel incredibly lonely and isolated. Thinking no one understands their problems, patients often recluse themselves and may engage in harmful behaviors to try and forget the pain. Therefore, to mitigate this issue, the public health sector must build social support groups in communities that accept all kinds of people and promote positive attitudes. Connecting with individuals with similar mental health issues in peer networks can provide individuals with the opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. This interaction can be a powerful source of support and encouragement. It can build a mutually beneficial relationship where individuals who may otherwise feel lonely find a reason to help one another.

Besides providing community members the support and resources they need to manage their mental health, this creates a more accepting and understanding environment for those struggling with mental health issues.

Conclusion

When it comes to mental health promotion, there are several challenges and obstacles the public health sector must overcome to ensure the well-being of a community. However, progress in this field, especially in recent years, has significantly elevated, and there’s much hope for improving mental health outcomes very soon.

With education remaining a continuous improvement process, surveillance and counseling becoming routine practice, and children receiving early interventions—the public health sector can promote good mental health.