World Mental Health Day is observed on the 10th of October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
Greetings everyone, this is Priya from Inner Health and last week as part of our journey at Inner Health, I got to talk to some exceptional professionals in the field of mental health and physical health. From the fields of psychiatry to the primary caregivers to teams of licensed mental health professionals and researchers, these professionals took the time to raise the awareness of the Inner Health team. Here’s what we learnt:
- An estimated 49.5 % of adolescents experience mental illness
- An estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older are diagnosed with mental illness each year.
- Both SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly affected the mental health of adults and children.
- In a 2021 study, nearly half of Americans surveyed reported recent symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder, and 10% of respondents felt their mental health needs were not being met.
- Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder have increased by 26% since the beginning of the pandemic.
- People who have mental illnesses or disorders and then get COVID-19 are more likely to die than those who don’t have mental illnesses or disorders.
- Common mental health conditions can include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorders, mood disorders, etc.)
- Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)
- Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia)
Untreated conditions can result in:
- Substance abuse or substance use disorder
- Unemployment
- Homelessness
- Suicide
- Incarceration
- Deterioration of physical health condition(s)
Barriers to Mental Health Treatment are:
- Desire to Receive Care can be challenging because of issues of stigma
- Lack of Anonymity When Seeking Treatment
- Shortages of Mental Health Workforce Professionals
- Lack of Culturally-Competent Care
- Affordability of Care
- Transportation to Care
We are happy to report that with the help of our partners and advisors from Meridian Behavioral Health and other community primary and psychiatric care providers, we are continuing to develop Inner Health to meet the needs of patient engagement and safety.
Do you know a healthcare or provider we should chat with that could use Inner Health to help their patients? Let us know by sending an email to priya@innerhealth.com
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As always I am so glad you are interested in the Inner Health community. It is my privilege to be on this journey with you.