The Overlooked Mental Health Crisis: Breaking the Chains

^{Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash}

Tied up with the overlooked mental health crisis is the growing concern of tossing aside mental health and dismissing its impact on many individuals. It’s about time we continue to address and discuss this problem to raise awareness and break the chains.

A primary contributor to why mental health is often shunned is the mental health stigma clinging to it. This stigma continues to be partly responsible for the overlooked mental health crisis in many countries.

For many, health is considered wealth, yet people solely associate it with physical health. When we think of health, it’s always the physical one that latches onto our minds. We tend to ignore mental health as a part of health when, in reality, it actually really is. Both mental health and physical health are critical fractions that make up the entirety of health. With that said, mental illness is an actual medical condition, yet why is it that people depreciate the sufferers? As such, mental illness should be treated with the same care and attention as any other illness.

Considering that the overlooked mental health crisis stems from the stigma surrounding mental health, this stigma remains to poison the minds of many. Not only is this a leading benefactor to a much bigger problem, but it also dramatically affects the people who are suffering with their mental health.

Mental Health Crisis Depicted in Asylum Scandals

Patricia Lubeck‘s book Asylum Scandals attests to what happens when the overlooked mental health crisis persists as an issue – what are the consequences when we neglect mental health?

As depicted in her book, insane asylums have always had a horrible history, especially with the problem of overcrowding, untrained staff, corrupt administrators, brutal treatments, tortuous procedures, and many more awful things that went on behind the asylum walls. This is actually a part of the overlooked mental health crisis, especially in the past.

If you are interested in delving further into the horrors of asylums and unraveling the mysteries that are yet to be revealed, then you may want to obtain your own copy of Asylum Scandals today.

Finally, let’s dig deeper into the overlooked mental health crisis and the underlying concerns it encompasses that trickle through the lives of many.

Identifying the Overlooked Mental Health Crisis

The overlooked mental health crisis refers to the widespread yet unaddressed mental health struggles that affect millions of people due to stigma, lack of resources, and systemic barriers. While mental health awareness has improved, many aspects of the crisis remain ignored or inadequately addressed.

Lack of Access to Mental Healthcare

Mental healthcare is often so limited especially in particular areas. Rural areas and low-income communities often have few mental health professionals, making care inaccessible. Another thing is the high costs, lack of insurance coverage, and long wait times prevent many from getting treatment.  

Neglected Populations  

• Caregivers (both professional and familial) face extreme stress and burnout but often receive little support.  
• Veterans struggle with PTSD, depression, and suicide, yet many don’t receive adequate care.  
• Chronic illness patients endure mental health struggles due to their physical conditions but rarely receive integrated care.  
• Prison inmates suffer from high rates of mental illness with little to no access to proper treatment.  

Workplace Mental Health Crisis

High-pressure industries (e.g., healthcare, education, corporate sectors) lead to widespread burnout and emotional exhaustion. In addition, employers often neglect mental health support, leaving workers to struggle in silence.  

Mental Health in Youth & Schools  

– Rising depression, anxiety, and suicide rates among young people highlight a growing crisis.  

– Many schools lack sufficient counselors and resources to address students’ needs.  

– Social media and academic pressure contribute to worsening mental health.  

^{Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash}

Breaking the Chains

Mental health matters. Period. And it’s time we accept this fact and break the chains. When we choose to neglect mental health, it will lead to nothing but more problems.

Ultimately, when a mental health crisis is overlooked, it can result in increased suicide rates, substance abuse, and a decline in overall well-being. It also has major economic consequences, including lost productivity and rising healthcare costs. That is why addressing this crisis requires systemic change, better funding, and an end to the stigma surrounding mental health care.

Let us start and continue to initiate change for the betterment of all – the world and humanity. It begins with you. Your action makes a big difference.