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Mental Health
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Mental Health.
Mental health has emerged as a significant issue in contemporary society. It portrays an
individual's complete mental well-being, which incorporates their capacity to work socially,
inwardly, and intellectually. Gentle instances of misery or nervousness can advance to severe and
crippling diseases, including schizophrenia, bipolar confusion, and behavioral conditions.
Individuals of any age, race, and financial situation with impacted by psychological wellness
hardships, which can fundamentally harm somebody's satisfaction. Mental health issues are
frequently characterized by recurring melancholy or worry, behavioral changes, attention issues,
altered sleeping or eating patterns, and other symptoms. Several factors, including genetic
predisposition, environmental circumstances, traumatic events, and life events, may impact how
mental health issues develop, even though the precise causes of mental health issues are not
completely understood (Boyce et al, 2020).
Additionally, people frequently avoid seeking treatment or assistance due to the stigma
associated with mental health issues, which exacerbates symptoms and creates new issues.
Because of a growing awareness of their prevalence and effects on individuals and communities,
mental health issues have received more attention in recent years. Different strategies and
projects have been set up by state-run administrations, associations, and medical care experts to
bring issues to light of psychological well-being concerns and proposition help to people
impacted by them.
Background and overview
Throughout history, mental health disorders have been recognized as a significant
concern, and diverse societies have devised distinct approaches to managing them. The Chinese
employed acupuncture and herbal remedies to address mental illness, while the ancient Greeks
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posited that an imbalance of the four touches of humor was responsible for mental disorders.
However, modern psychiatry did not develop until the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when
centers for treating mental health problems arose. Early in the 20th century, psychoanalysis and
pharmacological treatments like antipsychotics and antidepressants were developed, and mental
health care evolved toward a more biological approach. The relevance of social and
environmental elements in the onset and treatment of mental health difficulties has been
recognized as mental health therapy continues to advance.
Mental health issues include numerous illnesses that impact a person's emotional,
cognitive, and social functioning. They can include mood disorders like bipolar disorder and
depression, anxiety disorders like panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and psychotic
illnesses like schizophrenia. In the United States, mental illness is remarkably common. By
2021, it is predicted that 57.8 million adults in the US would experience a mental health issue
(Saltzman et al, 2021). Maladaptive behaviors cover a wide spectrum of problems with intensity
ranging from mild to severe. A person's quality of life can be significantly impacted by mental
health problems, limiting their capacity for employment, social interaction, and participation in
daily activities. In addition, difficulties with mental health can affect physical health, increasing
the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic disorders. Although their specific origins are
not entirely understood, a mix of genetic, environmental, and behavioral variables might
influence the development of mental health difficulties. Medication, counseling, lifestyle
modifications, regular exercise, and a good diet are all possible treatments for mental health
conditions. Mental health concerns continue to be a major concern despite the availability of
effective therapies, with many individuals not receiving the proper care due to stigma, lack of
resources, and insufficient funding for mental health services. Consequently, there is a persistent
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emphasis among public health officials and healthcare practitioners on the significance of
increasing awareness regarding mental health concerns and guaranteeing individuals' access to
requisite treatment and support.
Mental health issue in Oklahoma.
People of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds who live in Oklahoma are
disproportionately affected by mental health disorders. About 20% of adults in the United States
experience mental illness within 12 months, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI) (Canady, 2020). Within the allotted time frame, a little less than a third of Oklahomans
reported experiencing signs and symptoms of depression, while a third reported experiencing
signs and symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety and depression are prevalent at rates of 27% and 22%,
respectively, based on national averages. Mental disorders can exhibit a spectrum of severity,
affecting an individual's cognitive processes, affective states, conduct, and general performance.
The prevalence of mental illness among residents of Oklahoma is a significant concern,
indicating a pressing issue with mental health in the state. The state has encountered challenges
about restricted resources for mental health care, insufficiency of mental health practitioners, and
inadequate availability of treatment and services for individuals requiring assistance.
Prevalence rates.
According to research conducted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Oklahoma,
has consistently ranked among the top ten states in the United States with the highest rates of
mental illness (Reinert et al, 2022). As per the 2021 report published by Mental Health America,
Oklahoma was positioned at the 42nd rank in the comprehensive mental health status. The above
state demonstrated a greater prevalence of mental illness and decreased access to healthcare
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services compared to other states. As per data furnished by the Oklahoma Department of Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), it was determined that in 2020,
approximately 17% of the populace in Oklahoma necessitated mental health services. The
predominant mental health disorders recorded in the area consist of depression, anxiety
disorders, and substance abuse disorders.
The topic of concern is the accessibility of healthcare services.
Oklahoma is confronted with considerable obstacles in furnishing access to care for
individuals in need, despite the elevated incidence of mental illness within the state. As per the
Kaiser Family Foundation findings, Oklahoma's mental health professional per capita ratio is
ranked 49th in the United States, with a mere 75 providers per 100,000 individuals. The
insufficiency of mental health care providers is notably acute in the state's rural regions, where
the availability of such services is frequently restricted. Moreover, the state has encountered
difficulties providing sufficient funding and support for mental health services; as per the 2020
report published by Mental Health America, Oklahoma's mental health workforce availability is
ranked at the 50th position in the United States, while its access to care is ranked at the 48th
position. In recent years, the state has experienced noteworthy reductions in its budget, leading to
the decreased allocation of funds toward mental health services.
Efforts to Improve Mental Health in Oklahoma:
Despite the difficulties that the mental health system in Oklahoma faces, efforts are being
made to make it easier for people who need such services to get care and support. Several
government initiatives have addressed the shortage of mental health professionals in recent
years. The previously mentioned measures envelop drives toward working with the
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reimbursement of credits and offering motivation to medical care suppliers to deliver their
administrations in locales lacking emotional wellness assets. To make healthcare more
accessible, the state has launched several initiatives. The Oklahoma Mental Health Association's
Helpline is one such initiative that provides 24/7 support and resources to people who need help
with their mental health. Also, the state has extended telehealth administrations for mental
medical services, working on care availability in topographically disengaged regions. The
"Mental Health and Substance Abuse System Improvement Plan" was launched in 2020 by the
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). The plan
aims to improve the overall quality and accessibility of mental health services throughout the
state. The proposal outlines several strategies to expand the mental health workforce, increase the
financial resources allocated to mental health services, and make mental health care more
accessible in geographically remote areas. In conclusion, the state of Oklahoma faces a
significant obstacle when it comes to addressing issues related to mental health because of the
state's limited access to needed treatment and the high prevalence of these issues. In national
evaluations of mental healthcare, the state has consistently received subpar rankings due to the
difficulty of providing adequate mental health services in rural areas.
Various measures are being taken to tackle these obstacles, such as augmenting the
mental health workforce, broadening the reach of care, and enhancing the funding for mental
health services. The endeavors mentioned above are crucial in guaranteeing that individuals
residing in Oklahoma obtain the necessary assistance and resources to cope effectively with their
mental health and attain a gratifying existence. Mental health disparities pertain to the uneven
allocation of mental health resources, treatment accessibility, and results among diverse
individuals, contingent on their socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and other related
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determinants. The prevalence of mental health disparities is widespread and has the potential to
adversely affect the mental and physical health, overall well-being, and quality of life of
individuals. Ameliorating mental health disparities necessitates a comprehensive strategy
considering individual and systemic determinants.
Strategy 1: Provide Culturally-Responsive Mental Health Services
The American Psychological Association (APA) asserts that offering culturally-sensitive
mental health services to tackle mental health inequalities is imperative (Bauer et al, 2022).
Mental health services that are culturally responsive are designed to consider the cultural beliefs,
practices, and values of the individuals who are seeking such services. The process entails
establishing a secure, hospitable, and impartial setting for individuals to solicit assistance.
Empirical evidence suggests that providing culturally-responsive mental health services
can enhance mental health outcomes for individuals from varied cultural backgrounds (Kirmayer
and Jarvis, 2019). A scholarly article published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology has
reported that culturally-tailored cognitive-behavioral therapy has demonstrated greater efficacy
in mitigating depressive symptoms in African American adults than conventional cognitive-
behavioral therapy. To deliver mental health services that are culturally responsive, mental health
providers need to undergo cultural competence training. The training on cultural competence
instructs mental health professionals on the appropriate ways to interact with individuals from
various cultural backgrounds. Mental health providers must continuously self-reflect to
scrutinize their biases and assumptions.
Strategy 2: Increase Access to Mental Health Services
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The Public Partnership on Dysfunctional Behavior (NAMI) attests that growing
admittance to psychological wellness administrations is fundamental to addressing psychological
well-being differences (Downey and
Myers-Greco, 2023)
. The absence of medical coverage,
dysfunctional behavior, disgrace, and transportation make it challenging for many individuals
from various foundations to get psychological wellness administrations.
According to research, increased access to mental health services has improved mental
health outcomes for individuals from various backgrounds (Byrow et al, 2020). For instance, a
study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that receiving mental
health services in primary care settings improved outcomes for low-income African American
and Latino patients with depression. To broaden access to mental health services, policymakers
should prioritize policies that remove barriers to service. Mental health providers should also
provide telehealth services to make mental health care more readily available to people residing
in rural or underserved areas.
Strategy 3: Address Social Determinants of Mental Health
The conditions in which people live, work and play affect their health outcomes, as defined
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Social determinants of well-being
incorporate factors like poverty, prejudice, and separation. Addressing social determinants of
health can improve mental health outcomes for people from a variety of backgrounds, according
to research (Dobson et al, 2022). For instance, a study published in the American Journal of
Public Health found that people with low incomes had better mental health outcomes when
poverty was reduced, and access to affordable housing was increased. To address social
determinants of emotional well-being, policymakers should implement strategies that decrease
destitution, increment admittance to reasonable lodging, and advance social value (Zhang, et al,
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2021). Emotional wellness suppliers ought to likewise coordinate social determinants of well-
being into their treatment plans and work with local area associations to address social
determinants of psychological well-being.
The imperative of rectifying mental health disparities is paramount in establishing an
equitable and impartial society as discussed in the strategies above. Collaboration between
mental health professionals and policymakers is essential for successfully implementing
strategies to mitigate mental health disparities and foster mental health equity.
In conclusion, the meaning of emotional well-being couldn't possibly be more significant
as it unavoidably affects all parts of a singular's life. In the United States, the stigma associated
with mental illness can foster hostile attitudes and discriminatory behavior toward mental health
sufferers. Affected individuals may be reluctant to seek treatment as a result. Mental health must
be prioritized if holistic health and well-being are to be promoted. Improvements can be made by
eliminating cultural barriers to mental health care, reducing the stigma associated with mental
illness in society, expanding access to mental health services, and improving mental health
outcomes for all people.
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References
Canady, V. A. (2020). NAMI brief highlights important protections, benefits of ACA. Mental
Health Weekly, 30(44), 7-8.
Boyce, W. T., Sokolowski, M. B., & Robinson, G. E. (2020). Genes and environments,
development and time. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(38),
23235-23241.
Bauer, A. G., Pean, K., Lalwani, T., Julien, L., & Shevorykin, A. (2022). Community needs and
recommendations for multilevel mental health interventions among young Black men
with previous trauma exposure. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 90(10),
760.
Byrow, Y., Pajak, R., Specker, P., & Nickerson, A. (2020). Perceptions of mental health and
perceived barriers to mental health help-seeking amongst refugees: A systematic review.
Clinical psychology review, 75, 101812.
Downey, J., & Myers-Greco, J. (2023). Trauma Sensitive Schools: A Comprehensive Guide for
the Assessment Planning and Implementation of Trauma Informed Frameworks. Children
and Youth Services Review, 106930.
Dobson, R., Rice, D. R., D’hooghe, M., Horne, R., Learmonth, Y., Mateen, F. J., ... & Ford, H. L.
(2022). Social determinants of health in multiple sclerosis. Nature Reviews Neurology, 1-
12.
Kirmayer, L. J., & Jarvis, G. E. (2019). Culturally responsive services as a path to equity in
mental healthcare. HealthcarePapers, 18(2), 11-23.
11
Reinert, M., Fritze, D., & Nguyen, T. (2021). The state of mental health in America 2022.
Saltzman, L. Y., Lesen, A. E., Henry, V., Hansel, T. C., & Bordnick, P. S. (2021). COVID-19
mental health disparities. Health security, 19(S1), S-5.
Zhang, Z., Shu, H., Yi, H., & Wang, X. (2021). Household multidimensional energy poverty and
its impacts on physical and mental health. Energy Policy, 156, 112381.
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