Mental Health in Society
Aileen Mejia
Mental health is a vital and essential part of overall well-being, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social health. It shapes how we think, feel, and act, often influencing how we handle social situations, stress, and decisions. Whenever someone is mentally unhealthy, it can cause disruptions such as constant stress, avoiding or distancing from people, concentration problems, mood bipolarity, loss of motivation, and physical changes. Having good mental health helps adapt to life, keep moving forward, and stay motivated and positive.
When society prioritizes mental health, there are benefits extending beyond individual comprehension, such as promoting healthy, calm, and positive habits in schools that help students stay academically balanced, manage stress, and build mental strength for work and adulthood. In workplaces, companies that offer help or counseling workshops often see increased productivity and stronger employee loyalty. In a community, awareness and support for mental health can prevent addiction, suicide, or any mental struggle. A society flourishing with stability, balance, empathy, and resilience opens opportunities for growth, social bonds, and positive moods, allowing for an encouraging, safe, and healthy community.
However, there are many challenges and setbacks in today’s world. Mental health care (therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists) can be expensive and difficult to access, especially for people who are unable to afford treatment, since it is often not covered by insurance. Even when services do exist, the shame or stigma can prevent a person from seeking the necessary help. In many cultures, admitting to stress, depression, or anxiety is still seen as weak and shameful, limiting the way people would naturally feel without embarrassment. There is also a risk of overmedication or misinformation when a person feels overwhelmed with emotions, labeling it as a disorder. Instead of providing coping strategies or guidance, medication is usually prescribed. Usually, in workplaces, mental health campaigns do not convey deeper issues, such as long hours, toxic environments, and even low wages.
The implementation of mental health initiatives can be done in various forms. One important factor that should be included constantly is in schools, where many teenagers face risks of burnout, depression, suicidal thoughts, family problems, and stress. School teachers could be of great help by noticing early warning signs a student can display and preventing further emotional distress from occurring. Workplaces can also help; they can provide good work schedules, longer breaks, and better wages. The government, as well, can integrate mental health into healthcare systems, enabling people to learn about emotional well-being from doctors. The government can also enhance protection, considering the 14.7% suicide rate and the many more individuals who have thought about it. Educating or teaching teenagers and even adults about suicide prevention or mental health issues is not enough; helping them physically is the best help anyone can get.
Mental health needs to be taken seriously in education, healthcare, workplaces, and communities. It can prevent any further tragedy from occurring and will create better living and healthier societies where equality, recovery, and support are offered without cost.
Image credit: Centers, Peaks Recovery. “Different Types of Mental Health Professionals.” Peaks Recovery Centers, 20 Feb. 2023