Mental disorders continue to rise in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year. The funny thing though, is that only a fraction of those people receive treatment. Mental health disorders can become a threat to one’s life if not treated. In Houston, particularly Texas, more than 500,000 Texans suffers from persistent and severe mental illness. 1 out of 5 Texans experiences a mental health condition every year.
Some of the mental health symptoms include trauma, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, etc.
The following are some of the steps that can be taken to overcome the mental health crisis.
- Review the work culture
Stress is one of the main factors contributing to mental health disorders. Workplace stress is the leading cause of stress for Americans. There are many people who spend their days doing work that they don’t enjoy. Some work longer hours than they should, and others run multiple shifts. To overcome mental health crisis, we should review the workplace culture and come up with ways to make people work less stressful and more fulfilling.
Research shows that employees only crave for three things at their workplace: a sense of belonging, a sense of safety, and a feeling that they are needed. If these components are practiced, stress at the workplace can be minimized.
- Educate people on mental health
Educating people on mental health disorders can go a long way in overcoming mental health crisis. Information on mental health disorders are readily available on various online platforms, and you can access them easily. For instance, you can read on mental health on sites such as E-counseling.com. Equipping yourself with information regarding mental health can help you manage the condition easily if it strikes.
- Improve access to medical facilities
There is a significant number of people with mental health conditions who do not receive treatment. This escalates the problem. There should be an increase in the number of mental health service providers. This will make it easy to access them regardless of where a patient is.
- Increase funding
Mental health treatment facilities receive less funding. The situation should change if we want to overcome the crisis. The federal and state government has a role to play in mental health. A study showed that between 2010 and 2017, the number of beds available for psychiatric patients fell by 18%. Robert Glover, an Executive Director of the National Association of State Mental Health Program, gave a statement that revealed that state boards cut about $5 billion in mental health funding. Indeed this shows that the lawmakers are still not committed to finding a solution to the crisis.
- People should hold open discussions
The attitude towards discussions regarding mental health is one of the main contributors to mental health crisis. It goes beyond the healthcare providers or the government. Everybody has a role to play in pushing for open conversations about the mental health. Aside from the open conversations, people should also stop being judgmental and instead show that they care. Statistics from the center for disease control [CDC] show that only a quarter of the population with mental condition believe that people are sympathetic and caring.