Psychiatric patients with significant threats to coexistence with others are admitted to government-managed facilities built across all states. Those who experience mild symptoms get treated in the outpatient wing. This wing is run by family therapists, marriage counselors, clinically equipped social workers, professional psychiatrists and psychologists, and religious leaders who offer therapy sessions. These sessions are paid for by insurance companies, government funding, or self-pay. There is also a referral system in cases that require specialized care (“Mental health treatment”). Today’s society understands that mental illness is a psychopathology that can be treated with appropriate therapies, unlike in the past, when mental illness was associated with possession by demons, witchcraft, or as punishment by angry gods. Exorcism, incantations, and trephining were used to drive out demons. Victims were imprisoned in chains or sent to asylums.
The societal response to mental health issues should involve programs that will target vulnerable minorities, indigenous groups, migrants, and disaster victims, such as psychological counseling after disasters. Mental health interventions in schools and workplaces, e.g., stress prevention forums, should be emphasized. Moreover, we should improve access to mental healthcare, new drugs, and therapies, e.g., by promoting favorable insurance schemes and increased training of mental health specialists. Finally, promoting social inclusion of the mentally challenged individuals by creating family and community connections without discrimination and stigmatization.
New technological advances and overuse have negative mental health impacts commonly among children and teenagers. Moreover, adverse social media influence, increased neighborhood violence, and crime in the recent past have contributed to emerging mental issues. Lastly, there is the contribution of illicit drug smuggling and vast socioeconomic inequalities resulting from unemployment and income disparities.
Work Cited
“Mental Health Treatment: Past and Present”. Lumen. Web.