Why Does Mental Health Matter

Understanding Mental Health Importance

Understanding why mental health matters is the first step towards promoting and protecting mental well-being. The importance of mental health extends beyond the individual, impacting social determinants and physical health as well.

Impact of Social Determinants

Social determinants play a significant role in mental health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, employment conditions, discrimination, and social support can significantly influence mental health outcomes.

Populations that are poor and disadvantaged are most affected by mental disorders, with cumulative stress serving as a mechanism through which the impacts of social determinants multiply across the lifespan. For instance, unemployment and precarious employment conditions are routinely linked to increased psychological distress, even in countries with universal healthcare.

Discrimination, whether related to race/ethnicity, immigrant status, sexual orientation, or occupational status, has repeatedly been associated with negative mental health outcomes. Similarly, low socioeconomic status impacts mental health for those at the lower end of the social gradient, including stress from navigating everyday circumstances, anxiety about insecure and unpredictable living conditions, and a perceived lack of control.

In contrast, positive social determinants, such as social support, community belonging, and trust in others, have been significantly associated with better mental health outcomes.

Connection to Physical Health

Mental health is closely connected to physical health. Research has shown that positive psychological well-being can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes (WebMD), highlighting the importance of good mental health in maintaining physical health.

Conversely, poor mental health, such as depression, has been linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. Individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, and are more likely to smoke a greater number of cigarettes, which could be attributed to the lower levels of dopamine in individuals with depression and the temporary relief smoking offers.

The connection between mental health and physical health is not a one-way street. Individuals with physical health conditions such as psoriasis, cancer, or heart disease may develop symptoms of depression, such as low mood, sleep problems, and a loss of interest in activities, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between physical health and mental health.

Understanding the importance of mental health and its impact on social determinants and physical health is crucial for promoting mental well-being at both the individual and societal levels. Left untreated, mental health disorders affect the well-being of children, adults, families, and communities—both because of the emotional costs as well as the economic ramifications.

Factors Influencing Mental Health

Various factors play a crucial role in influencing an individual's mental health. These factors range from social support and community to economic status and stress levels.

Social Support and Community

The importance of social support, community belonging, and trust in others cannot be overstated when it comes to mental health outcomes. These elements have been significantly associated with mental health.

Having a strong social network can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and help individuals cope with stress. Conversely, a lack of social support can lead to feelings of loneliness and increase the risk of mental health disorders.

Community belonging also plays a significant role in mental health. Being part of a community can provide a sense of identity, purpose, and support. On the other hand, discrimination, whether related to race/ethnicity, immigrant status, sexual orientation, and/or occupational status, has repeatedly been associated with negative mental health outcomes.

Economic Status and Stress

Economic status is another key factor that influences mental health. Unemployment, precarious employment, and employment conditions continue to be routinely linked to increased psychological distress, even in countries with universal healthcare.

Low socioeconomic status impacts mental health for those at the lower end of the social gradient. This includes stress from navigating everyday circumstances, anxiety about insecure and unpredictable living conditions, and a perceived lack of control.

Poor and disadvantaged populations are most affected by mental disorders. Cumulative stress and physical health serve as mechanisms through which the impacts of social determinants multiply across the lifespan [1].

Understanding these factors is crucial to addressing mental health issues and promoting overall well-being. By recognizing and addressing these influences, it is possible to create environments that foster positive mental health and provide support for those struggling with mental health disorders.

Mental Health and Physical Well-being

An individual's mental health plays a significant role in their physical well-being. The state of one's mental health can directly or indirectly affect various aspects of physical health, including susceptibility to chronic illnesses and lifestyle habits such as sleep and smoking.

Relationship with Chronic Illnesses

Depression has been linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis, illustrating the impact of poor mental health on physical well-being. Conversely, individuals with physical health conditions such as psoriasis, cancer, or heart disease may develop symptoms of depression, such as low mood, sleep problems, and a loss of interest in activities, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between physical health and mental health.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly one in three people with a long-term physical health condition also has a mental health problem, most often depression or anxiety. It's crucial to recognize and address these mental health challenges to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals.

Effects on Sleep and Smoking

Individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea. Compared to 10% to 18% of the general population, around 50% to 80% of those with mental health issues experience problems with sleep [2]. Disrupted sleep patterns can exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to a vicious cycle of poor sleep and deteriorating mental health.

As for smoking, people with mental health conditions are more likely to smoke and are more likely to smoke a greater number of cigarettes. This could be attributed to the lower levels of dopamine in individuals with depression and the temporary relief smoking offers [2]. However, this relief is fleeting and contributes to long-term physical health issues, including lung disease and cancer.

In conclusion, understanding why mental health matters extends beyond the realm of psychological well-being. Mental health is integral to physical health, influencing various aspects from chronic illnesses to lifestyle habits. By focusing on the promotion and maintenance of mental health, one can contribute to enhanced physical health and overall well-being.

Mental Health Across Lifespan

The significance of mental health extends throughout the lifespan, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. This section delves into the impact of mental health issues during these crucial stages and their influence on adult productivity.

Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health

Mental health is an important aspect of a child's overall health and plays a critical role in their development and well-being. According to the White House, among children age 3-17, the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders from 2013 to 2019 were ADHD (9.8 percent), anxiety (9.4 percent), behavioral problems (8.9 percent), and depression (4.4 percent).

The impact of these mental health issues is significant. Diagnoses such as ADHD are associated with lower school attendance, lower test scores, and higher dropout rates. Furthermore, mental disorders in parents can adversely impact the health, development, and education of their children.

Mental Disorder	Percentage
ADHD	9.8%
Anxiety	9.4%
Behavioral Issues	8.9%
Depression	4.4%

Impact on Adult Productivity

Mental health issues during childhood and adolescence can influence adult productivity. Poor mental health in these stages increases the risk of poverty and adverse economic outcomes in adulthood, perpetuating a cycle of poverty by interfering with a person's ability to work and leading to decreased economic productivity.

Furthermore, mental health conditions extend their impact beyond the individuals directly affected to families, colleagues, communities, and society at large. Depression and anxiety, for instance, result in an estimated $1 trillion cost to the global economy each year due to reduced productivity.

In fact, 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder, which can impact a person's confidence, productivity, and ability to retain or gain employment. It's estimated that twelve billion working days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety alone.

Yet, despite these significant challenges, it's important to note that investments in mental health-related interventions can be cost-effective, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and the development of different delivery models for mental health services to help mitigate the impact of mental health issues on individual productivity and the economy at large.

Understanding why mental health matters across the lifespan is essential for the development of effective mental health policies and interventions. By addressing these issues early and providing the necessary support, we can help individuals lead healthier, more productive lives.

Mental Health in the Workplace

The connection between mental health and productivity in the workplace is an important area of consideration. The question of "why does mental health matter" extends to this domain as well, with impacts seen in worker productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism.

Productivity and Mental Health

There is a positive association between the presence of mental health disorders and lost productivity, including increased absenteeism (more missed days from work) and increased presenteeism (decreased productivity at work). The global economic burden of mental illness was estimated to be US$2.5 trillion in 2010, increasing to US$6.1 trillion in 2030. Most of this burden was due to lost productivity, defined as absenteeism and presenteeism.

However, the strength of the observed association may be smaller than previously thought, and more rigorous studies are needed to determine clear policy recommendations. Nonetheless, the impact on productivity underscores the importance of mental health in the workplace.

Workplace Support and Policies

Workplaces that promote good mental health and support individuals with mental illnesses are more likely to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, thus increasing worker productivity. Workplace policies that provide employees with access to evidence-based care result in reduced absenteeism, disability, and lost productivity.

Moreover, initiatives that limit and help workers manage job stress may be the most promising avenue for improving workers' productivity. Workplace policies and practices should take into account the dynamics of the relationship between mental illness and worker productivity, including the trade-offs between presenteeism and absenteeism. Future research should also explore how working conditions, work arrangements, and workplace policies impact presenteeism.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines on mental health at work, along with the Mental health at work: Policy brief in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, to enhance the implementation of evidence-based recommendations for mental health in the workplace. The goal is to promote mental health, prevent mental health conditions, and facilitate the full participation and well-being of individuals with mental health conditions in the workforce [5].

The intersection between mental health and the workplace is an area of growing focus, as understanding deepens on how mental health can influence productivity and the overall workplace environment. It is clear that mental health matters in all aspects of life, including the professional sphere, making it crucial to continue exploring ways to support and promote mental health in the workplace.

Mental Health in Relationships

In the context of relationships, mental health plays a pivotal role, often shaping the dynamics and overall harmony between partners. This section will explore how mental illness interacts with romantic relationships and the related challenges, along with the importance of communication.

Romantic Relationships and Mental Illness

Mental illness can bring about significant challenges in intimate relationships. For the individual with the condition, feelings of shame, guilt, and resentment may arise, leading to difficulties in daily tasks, emotional availability, maintaining employment, and socializing. This, in turn, may cause disappointment, rejection, and disconnect in the relationship [7].

Moreover, intimacy problems can also arise in relationships where one partner has a mental illness. This can cause disinterest in sex due to the condition or the side effects of medications, impacting bonding opportunities and leading to unmet needs for both partners.

In some cases, codependency can develop in relationships involving a partner with mental illness. Here, one partner starts deriving self-worth from taking care of the other's mental health needs, potentially leading to unhealthy dynamics, abuse, and manipulation.

Challenges and Communication

Given these challenges, it becomes evident why does mental health matter in romantic relationships. Therefore, it is crucial for partners to educate themselves about mental health conditions, practice effective communication, commit to self-care, seek professional help, and have realistic expectations to navigate a relationship where mental illness is present.

Effective communication is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship but becomes indispensable when one partner is dealing with a mental health condition. Open discussions about struggles, fears, and needs can help both partners understand each other better and devise strategies to support each other.

Committing to self-care is another essential aspect. It's important for both partners to maintain their physical health, pursue hobbies and interests, and engage in relaxation and stress-reducing activities.

Lastly, seeking professional help can provide valuable insights and strategies to manage mental illness in a relationship context. Therapists and counselors can offer guidance on managing symptoms, improving communication, and maintaining a healthy relationship dynamic.

In conclusion, understanding mental health and its impact on relationships is key to fostering stronger, healthier connections. With the right tools and resources, challenges can be overcome, and couples can thrive despite the presence of mental illness.