The Assignment on Social Determinants of Mental Health

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Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................2
Social Determinants of Mental Health...................................................................................2
Demographic.........................................................................................................................3
Economic...............................................................................................................................3
Environmental......................................................................................................................3
Equity.....................................................................................................................................4
Social Justice.........................................................................................................................4
Epidemiological Studies relevant to mental health...............................................................5
Epidemiologic Catchment Area..........................................................................................5
National Comorbidity Survey.............................................................................................5
Medical Outcomes Study (MOS)........................................................................................5
Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).....................................................6
Role of Mental Health Care Nurse.........................................................................................6
Cultural Competence in Mental health..................................................................................7
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................8
References...............................................................................................................................10

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Introduction
Mental Illness can be described as a condition of emotional, mental and behavioural disorder.
In United States, mental health is a growing issue which involves people from all ages.
According to recent statistics, 26% of population over 18 years and 1 in every 4 adults in
America, suffers from mental disorder (NAMI, 2020). This includes, clinical depression,
bipolar depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. Furthermore,
depressive illness leads to anxiety disorder and substance abuse disorder.
Primary Heath Care is an approach which act as an essential service to prevent disease,
manage illness and promote health. This involves all the major aspects of health and well-
being. It incorporates community development and encompasses a relevant understanding of
the determinants of health, which includes, personal care, prevention of illness and
management of illness. The significant role of mental health services is to promote positive
mental health practices by addressing on mental illness.
In the following segment, there will be an analysis of mental health care and their practices in
US. There is a demonstration of social justice, equity and the epidemiology studies of mental
health and disease across different population groups in global context. Also, there will be an
evaluation of the nursing practices which promotes the mental health among individuals,
communities and population. This will reflect the cultural competence in mental health care
and the significant role of psychiatric nurses in improving the mental illness.
Social Determinants
Mental health services in United States, is considered as an important driving force in
economy. Social determinants act as a framework which focuses on circumstances in which
an individual live, born, learn, age and work. Understanding these determinants will reflect a
country’s key issue in education, economic stability, neighbourhood and in health and health

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care. Country’s physical and social environment promotes good health. Even in United
States, people deserve equal opportunities to make choices which will lead to good mental
health (NIMH, 2019).
There are five major social determinants which contributes in causing and solving the mental
health issues in United States.
Demographic
The determinant includes the age, gender, life expectancy and ethnicity. According to the
recent statistics, 19.1% of the American adults, experiences mental illness and 4.6% of these
adults, experiences very serious mental issues (EBPH, 2016). The annual treatment rates for
the adults are Male (34.9%) and Females (48.6%) (EBPH, 2016). Almost 43.3% of the
adults with mental issues get treatment in 2018 (Lancet Psychiatry, 2018).
Economic
Mental health issues are prominent among the marginalised groups which experiences social
exclusion, trauma, discrimination. According to the report by World Economic Forum,
mental issues can create a greater impact to the economic output than heart disease, cancer
and diabetes (NCBI, 2016). This report signifies that the cost of mental disorder is $16
trillion, worldwide. Low-income countries have lesser percentage in health budgets
(MFMER, 2019). Whereas, country like US, the total expenditure on mental health is given a
significant importance. Also, it has been found that the untreated depression and anxiety costs
$1.15 trillion in society annually (Phillips & Bazemore, 2010).
Environmental
Environmental determinant are the external stressors which have a significant influence on
mental illness. These external stressors act as a strain which develops into a diagnosable
mental illness. Toxicant exposure and air pollution linked to develop certain psychiatric

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symptoms which are negative. These symptoms can lead to depression, anxiety, cognition
and mood changes. Physical health area is also associated with mental health. Good physical
health will develop positive emotions and elevates the mood states of depression and anxiety.
Efforts are required to elevate the consciousness about mental health, in workplace, health
care centres, educational setups (Schultz, 2010).
Equity
Equity determinant of mental health care is related to medical care in general. According to
recent statistics, 56% of an American adult does not receive any treatment for their mental
illness (Phillips & Bazemore, 2010). To promote mental health by equity, American
Psychological Association suggests to foster positive relationships and initiatives within
ethnic and racial minority communities to enhance awareness. In 2008, the Addition equity
act plans to cover mental and substance use disorders, which includes around $5 million for
treatment and screening of maternal; depression (NAMI, 2020). Also, $10 million has been
given for accessing mental health care in United States (Robert Graham Center, 2018).
Social Justice
Mental health is considered to be an issue of social justice as much it is for a healthcare issue.
Approach of social justice in mental health focuses on having equitable access of all
psychiatric services. For about, 25% African-American requires the psychiatric and
counselling services as compared to 40% of white (NCBI, 2016). These statistics
demonstrates that the need for mental health services is for all the communities around the
nation. Racial discrimination, for a person’s colour can sometimes lead to post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). Also, people living with thoughts and feelings that are related to
Suicide. This issue acts as a public health and social justice issue (Todman, 2011).