The Sinister Cost of Mental Illness in the USA

Characterized by significant disturbances in cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior, mental disorders are a major public health concern. They lead to fewer productive years and shorter life expectancies of up to 14.7 years.

What can be done to reverse this situation?

Join experts at the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) as we explore the current state of mental illness in the USA. We’ll also share how it is being addressed by the government and society.

The State of Mental Illness in the USA

According to estimates by the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 1 in 5 adults suffer from mental illnesses. Diagnoses in children have also increased substantially, with literature recording a 34.6% increase.

Mental illnesses cost the United States a sweet $282 billion every year, an amount equivalent to an average economic recession. It affects national progress by stymying investment, productivity, wealth accumulation, and more. Since poor mental health can lead to chronic conditions, the trend is only anticipated to become worse. 

How Is the Government Addressing Mental Illness?

Since mental disorders are predicted to increase, decision-makers must focus on actionable steps to tackle this pervasive problem. Here’s a look at what they’re doing and what needs to be done:

Decrease Inequalities 

Managing socioeconomic inequalities like debt, low income, poor housing, poverty, and unemployment can reduce the prevalence of mental issues.

Policymakers across healthcare systems must address this pressing challenge by instituting policies that support progressive taxation, providing packages of care, and a basic universal income. It also calls for investing in improving criminal justice, education, employment, housing, social security/housing benefits, and other determinants of mental health.

Expand Access to Care

One out of every 3 Americans live in areas with shortages of mental health professionals. Telehealth can significantly increase the accessibility of mental healthcare, especially when in-person care is limited.

However, many under-resourced communities remain underserved. Investments in broadband access and equipment paired with educational programs can increase the availability of mental health services.

Address Practitioner Shortages 

The United States is dealing with a deficit in professionals, particularly in rural areas and economically stressed cities.

The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021, funded by Medicare, aims to alleviate this concern by providing funding for up to 75 additional positions for mental health practitioners at eligible hospitals.

Make Healthcare Affordable

Prohibitively expensive mental health care is a top barrier to accessing therapy. This remains true even among the insured. They are likely to be charged more than five times out-of-network, with in-network provider reimbursement rates 20% higher for primary care than mental health.

The current administration is taking initiatives to strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This can lower skyrocketing healthcare and prescription drug prices while closing gaps in women’s health research.

However, they must also adopt a patient-centric framework that:

• Encourages the use of evidence-based treatments
• Initiates supportive housing programs for homeless individuals
• Promotes pathways to care, even in general healthcare settings

It’s also important to attract new providers. Doing so will eliminate obstacles to receiving care, which can include anything from “ghost networks” and the denial of doctor-prescribed care to not being able to find a doctor.

How Medical Associations like IMANA Help

Non-governmental associations like IMANA play a significant role in developing mental health programs and resources. From awareness to treatment, they bridge the gap by providing low-cost models of care.

Here’s a brief insight into what they do to help:

Advocacy 

Mental health must be on the national agenda. Advocacy focuses on ensuring the country recognizes the needs of the affected and implements policies to eliminate barriers and improve service systems.

IMANA takes it a step further by undertaking climate advocacy in various states. Since the increased frequency of disasters with climate change can lead to PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression, calling for bold action against climate change—including limitations on fossil fuel expansion—could improve mental health and psychosocial well-being.

Increase Awareness 

Developing a greater understanding of mental health conditions could manifest in early recognition and detection, reduce stigma, and increase help-seeking behavior. It is expected to lower the treatment gap, which lies at 65.7% for moderate to severe mental disorders in North America. 

At IMANA, we lend a hand in health promotion through mental health initiatives. We provide a free mental health professionals directory and a growing list of resources to help those affected get the help they need.

Provide Training 

Effective mental health training can be an excellent intervention to increase global provision and capacity while bridging treatment gaps. 

IMANA provides accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME). We offer a range of learning opportunities—including courses, conferences, and workshops—to ensure our healthcare professionals meet the highest standards of medical knowledge, skills, and techniques.

Offer Primary Care 

The mind and body are seen as separate entities, but the two are inextricably linked. Poor physical health—involving the metabolic, liver, or immune systems—can increase the risk of developing mental health issues.

To combat this issue, IMANA undertakes Medical Relief Programs to provide primary, emergency, and long-term medical services to the underserved. Our work takes us on medical and surgical missions in various countries.

Take Home Message

Mental health issues affect emotional, social, and physiological well-being, rendering the affected person incapable of living life to the fullest. Most of the time, however, they’re treatable and that’s where we focus our efforts. 

Your donation makes it possible for IMANA to make a positive change in the lives of those dealing with mental illness in the USA and around the globe.

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