The Importance of Public Mental Health
Abstract
The pandemic raised awareness for many about the challenges of mental illness and psychological distress. Yet, mental health was already a major part of the public’s health in this state, in the US, and across the globe for years prior to COVID-19. In the US, 20-25% of adults experience a diagnosable mental illness every year. In the US, 20-25% of adults experience a diagnosable mental illness every year. The prevalence among children is nearly as high and has been increasing. The symptoms of mental illness, and chronic psychological distress, even when not a full-blown diagnosable condition, hinder our ability as a society to maintain health – to succeed in school, thrive in our work, engage in social activities, and generally live our full potential. Further, the mental health of our own workforce has been challenged, and we must take care of our own staff as we take care of our communities. This talk will highlight the current state of mental and behavioral health, consider some of the possible solutions, and call us all to action to support each other and the communities we serve.
Keywords
public mental health, chronic psychological distress
The Importance of Public Mental Health
The pandemic raised awareness for many about the challenges of mental illness and psychological distress. Yet, mental health was already a major part of the public’s health in this state, in the US, and across the globe for years prior to COVID-19. In the US, 20-25% of adults experience a diagnosable mental illness every year. In the US, 20-25% of adults experience a diagnosable mental illness every year. The prevalence among children is nearly as high and has been increasing. The symptoms of mental illness, and chronic psychological distress, even when not a full-blown diagnosable condition, hinder our ability as a society to maintain health – to succeed in school, thrive in our work, engage in social activities, and generally live our full potential. Further, the mental health of our own workforce has been challenged, and we must take care of our own staff as we take care of our communities. This talk will highlight the current state of mental and behavioral health, consider some of the possible solutions, and call us all to action to support each other and the communities we serve.
