“There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone’s business.” – Vikram Patel
This May marks the 69th year of Mental Health Awareness Month. [1]
Why do we need a month to raise awareness for mental health, you ask? Because, “mental health is something everyone should care about,” says Mental Health America (MHA), who “have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month,” from 1949.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 1 out of every 6 adults, in the U.S., deals with a mental illness. That’s 44,700,000 people in America in 2016.
- It is estimated that half (50%) of all Americans will be diagnosed for a mental illness or disorder during their lifetime, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- When it comes to seniors, about 15% of people 60 and up, suffer from a mental heath disorder, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “Mental health and well-being are as important in older age as at any other time of life.”
Local Care
On a local level, New Jersey has a 1 to 206 coverage rate for mental health, which means that there are 206 people vying for the same provider. When it comes to primary care, though, that rate drops to 1 for every 113 people. The number goes even lower for dental care: 1 to 100.
Is the gap in these numbers justified? Maybe. It might suggest less of a need for mental health services, but why is that so?
One theory argues that many people aren’t getting enough treatment due to economic reasons. “Medicare covers 80 percent of a physical health problem, but only 50 percent of a mental health problem. This is a barrier to treatment for many people,” says Life Senior Services. In fact, “researchers estimate that up to 63 percent of older adults with a mental disorder do not receive the services they need.”
This indeed is a problem, but solutions begin with awareness of the problem. So, it’s good were having this discussion in May:)
What’s your take on the mental health situation when it comes to seniors?
Please share in the comments below.
Disclaimer, or Use At Your Own Risk
The information and advice in this post are for entertainment and informational purposes and should not be viewed as professional opinions. We do not take any responsibility for its content and any action you take based on the information of this post is strictly at your own risk. You should always speak to your doctor regarding medical information and your health.
[1] http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may