The sphere of public health covers wellness across all social and cultural boundaries, so those working in this field are confronted frequently with the impact of mental illness on families and communities. Public health professionals are crucial in facilitating community-based mental health interventions, recognizing that individuals’ well-being closely correlates to the circumstances of their surroundings.
Mental health is a significant element that Lamar University’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program strives to educate students on. The Theories in Social and Behavioral Sciences course explores assessing, planning and implementing health promotion programs for diverse communities and settings. The coursework considers multicultural and demographic perspectives to ensure programs meet communities’ varying mental health needs.
Why Are More Mental Health Advocates Needed?
Despite more attention in recent years, mental health remains under-recognized and under-treated, which carries significant social and economic burdens for individuals and communities. According to World Psychiatry, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030, mental illness will contribute to over half of the global economic burden linked to non-communicable diseases. Individuals with mental illness face heightened risks of poverty, unemployment and inadequate housing — all of which potentially hinder their integration into society and worsen mental health conditions.
As a result, public health professionals must remain focused on improving social outcomes for these individuals at both the local and global levels. More community mental health advocates are needed to reduce stigma, offer support and drive policies to prioritize self-care and holistic wellness.
What Is the Mental Health Gap Action Programme?
The World Health Organization created the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) to bring more attention and resources to mental healthcare and improve access across geographical locations and socioeconomic status. This initiative uses evidence-based interventions and guidelines for the management of various mental health conditions, particularly in settings where mental health services may be limited. The goal is to increase the number of mental health professionals and integrate mental health services throughout communities, including in primary care settings.
Empowering Communities Through Holistic Approaches
Part of public health involves collaboration among local health providers and community organizations to support the mental well-being of individuals and families. Integrating mental health services and screenings in primary care settings, schools and elsewhere can reach more people, especially in historically underserved groups. Schools, jails and prisons are just some spaces where public health professionals can impact holistic mental health efforts.
Schools are ideal settings for implementing widespread preventive mental health measures because they are a central social hub within communities. Although creating sustainable interventions in schools requires long-term efforts to establish partnerships between academic and community organizations, the payoff is worthwhile.
According to Current Psychiatry Reports, schools that launched the FRIENDS program lowered anxiety and depression rates among students. FRIENDS is a “manualized program that teaches emotional regulation, anxiety management and problem-solving” and was most effective when conducted by qualified health leaders. Researchers found no intervention effects on math, reading or writing standardized assessment test scores.
The criminal justice system offers another access point to facilitate mental health services since many inmates have a history of mental illness and health disparities. For example, adults with psychotic disorders incarcerated on misdemeanors in New York were diverted into an assertive community treatment (ACT) program. Participants had fewer convictions, less jail time and more outpatient mental health treatment days than nonparticipants, notes Current Psychiatry Reports.
These directives demonstrate the importance of adopting a holistic approach that establishes support networks for vulnerable populations and addresses mental health challenges at multiple levels within the community.
How an Advanced Degree Can Help
Community based mental health interventions are fundamental public health tools for enhancing the well-being of diverse populations. Public health professionals play a fundamental role in building and implementing these interventions.
Lamar’s online MPH program prepares graduates to make a difference in a host of ways. Graduates become public health professionals who lead these efforts by coordinating collaborative initiatives in their community’s institutions, ensuring adults and children feel valued and supported.
Learn more about Lamar University’s MPH online program.
