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: 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. Finding a Path Forward
In the U.S., public health specialists have numerous avenues to become involved in advocating for mental health awareness and improving treatments for and prevention of these issues. For instance, one of the objectives of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s Healthy People 2020 initiative is improving mental health care access for children. This initiative also aims to provide more depression screening services and increase the employment rate among people with serious mental illnesses. In 2017, increased federal funding for addressing mental health issues can also enable public health professionals to take part in expanded research and treatment programs. From increased access to early intervention programs to expanded access in underserved communities, public health officials can continue to make strides to address this important issue.