The State Of Mental Health: Are We Doing Enough?

Mental health problems ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, split personalities, and many more complex diagnoses are becoming identified more frequently these days than in the past.

Treatment options exist and some are quite successful. The stigma of mental illness is becoming less pronounced as public awareness increases via education and media campaigns. But are we doing enough? Is mental illness more prevalent than it was in the past, or just more readily identified? What is the cause of these disorders? Is it all genetic, or is some of it induced by the culture and circumstances we live in today?

Certainly, evidence has shown that a higher percentage of people who live in grossly dysfunctional circumstances suffer from more stress related illnesses and mental disorders. But is the state of mental health in individuals brought on by their circumstances completely? Do they have a genetic predisposition to mental problems that is exacerbated by their circumstances? Or do the circumstances simply draw attention to their condition?

The state of mental health in an individual can vary from day to day and depending on the circumstances. No single person is immune to problems with mental health or mental illnesses. Yet some people do seem more prone to or vulnerable to some mental conditions than others. What is the common denominator? And if it is genetic, what are the other influencing factors that affect the severity of the condition?

Today we have more answers than ever before-when it comes to the state of mental health in individuals. Yet, we also have more questions than ever before. Why do some treatments work and others do not? Why is one treatment effective for one person with a disorder yet ineffective for another individual with the same disorder?

Why are individuals reluctant to seek treatment in the first place? Why are people afraid to discuss mental health issues? Why do individuals who get treatment often seek to discontinue treatment or simply quit taking their medication or getting treatment after a period of time?

Are mental health issues treatable or curable? To what degree? In what ways?

Yes, the questions surrounding the state of mental health are many and diverse. The answers are not always easy or forthcoming. So are we doing enough?

Until we more completely identify mental health problems in their infancy and treat them successfully in all cases, the answer is: No. We need to continue to research and conduct more development and case studies to continue delving deeper into this complex issue.

We need to find ways to identify precursors to problems before individuals become violent with themselves and others. We need to help prevent the pain that can result from untreated mental health problems and issues. We need to treat the symptoms and lower the statistics related to suicide and other tragedies that result when the state of mental health is not properly evaluated or goes unnoticed.

Millions of people are affected by these issues-whether they know it or not. It could be that they are personally affected themselves. It could be that they are affected by a family member or loved one. Some people are impacted by strangers with mental health issues. All around us, people are hurting and suffering unnecessarily. We need to open our eyes and do more-and help heal the pain for all.

-The Health Dude-

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