Title: Mental Illness & Public Health | USC MPH Online
Headings: Mental Illness and Public Health
Mental Illness and Public Health
Depression and World Health Day
Anxiety and Public Health
Suicide Prevention on a Community Level
Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Health
Finding a Path Forward
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Content: As the WHO reports, over three-quarters of suicides around the world in 2015 happened in these countries. Recent research by the WHO and numerous smaller public health organizations has begun to provide details about some of the groups at highest risk of suicide, including refugees, members of the LGBT community, and people with indigenous ancestry. Like many mental illnesses, suicide still suffers from a stigma. That means public health officials are faced with the challenge of identifying people who need help and encouraging them to get the assistance they need. While the WHO has recommended a number of prevention tips, additional data collection and tracking from public health organizations around the globe can drastically improve suicide prevention and education. Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Health
Mental health is often discussed in the context of adult health care, but it remains a substantial problem for children and adolescents, too. As the WHO reports, up to 20 percent of children and teenagers around the globe experience mental illnesses, and neuropsychiatric conditions are the most common cause of disability in adolescents. While the WHO has committed to improving advocacy and mental health services for children and adolescents in underserved communities, this may not be enough to tackle the issue. SAMHSA has instituted an annual awareness day for pediatric mental health, complete with social media and outreach tools to increase understanding. The organization also provides educational materials to help young adults, families, and caregivers recognize signs of mental illness in children.