Why Must We Take Action On Mental Health?

The rise of mental health illnesses increases every year." Fifty percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in there life , and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14 years old" (Superior Health Foundation). Poor mental health stops people from reaching their full potential goals in life. This can be a difficult challenge for society because it is creating loneliness and isolation affects , which is causing people to be more vulnerable. There are series conditions that can evolve from that , for example schizophrenia or bipolar disorder which can lead to people prematurely dying two decades before there life time due to their serious condition. The mental health crisis has been on a rise as shown in the chart below and this could cost the world $16 trillion by 2030. In the chart you can see the percentage of people suffering with anxiety and depression and they are both fairly close to each other causing a major concern. In order to lower the cost rate and also the mental health of people, action should be taken by bringing awareness to the issue globally. Some of the things that can be done in order bring these percentages down are:

• Implement strategies for advocacy and prevention in mental health

• Strength information system and research for mental health

• Provide comprehensive social care services in communities

• Protective factors, which protect people from developing mental disorders

• Initial and ongoing assessment