Top 8 Social Determinants of Mental Health and Social Work Practice

(caps)Health is defined by World health organization (WHO) as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence from disease or infirmity. Mental health is also defined by WHO as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. Substance abuse, anxiety and depression will be classified under common mental disorders or mental illness, whereas Bipolar and Schizophrenia will come under severe mental disorders or mental illness.

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Social Determinants of Mental Health

The social determinants of mental health refer to the societal, economic, and environmental factors that influence an individual's mental well-being. These factors include socioeconomic status, education level, employment opportunities, access to healthcare, housing stability, social support networks, exposure to discrimination and violence, and access to healthy living conditions. Exiting literature consistently shows that these social determinants significantly impact mental health outcomes, with disadvantaged individuals often facing greater challenges and higher rates of mental illness. Addressing these determinants through policies and interventions aimed at reducing inequalities can help promote better mental health for all members of society. Some of these social determinants are discussed below;

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1.     Life course

Life course emphasizes that how various social factors and experiences throughout an individual's life influence their mental well-being. It indicates that mental health outcomes are not solely determined by biological factors but are heavily shaped by social factors like family dynamics, socioeconomic status, education, employment, and community support. It highlights the importance of considering a person's entire life trajectory, including childhood experiences, adolescence, adulthood, and aging, in understanding their mental health outcomes.

2.    Parenting, Family and Housing

Parenting, family, and housing is an important social determinant in mental health treatment. It highlights that how various social factors contribute to an individual's mental well-being. It delves into the impact of parenting styles, family dynamics, and housing conditions on mental health outcomes. It emphasizes the crucial role of supportive and nurturing parenting practices, stable family environments, and adequate housing in promoting positive mental health and highlights the need for policymakers and healthcare professionals to address these social determinants effectively.

3.     Neighbourhood Community

The interconnectedness between neighbourhood communities, and the natural environment has profound implications for mental health. Relationships, trust, assistance, and participation within neighbourhoods influence feelings of safety and well-being. Likewise, community dynamics such as participation, resource availability, support networks, and the prevalence of violence and crime significantly impact mental health outcomes. Additionally, the biological and natural environment, including animals, birds, plants, air quality, soil health, and water bodies, play a role in mental well-being. Various studies have shown a correlation for depression and anxiety with various social factors such as social isolation among the elderly, unemployment among youth, low socioeconomic status, lack of social support, and poor educational outcomes. Social changes, instances of social exclusion, and shifts in lifestyle present additional challenges in mental healthcare provision.

4.    Local services

Various essential societal infrastructures and services such as child care centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, counselling centers, social welfare services, volunteer groups, water and sanitation systems, recreational amenities, employment opportunities, retail outlets, public transportation networks, and mechanisms for addressing grievances play crucial roles in supporting communities. Research indicates a correlation between measures of poverty and the prevalence of common mental disorders, while literature also suggests a connection between debt and mental health issues.

5.    Governance

Improving socio-economic conditions through income generation programs, poverty alleviation schemes, and efforts to minimize inequality can positively impact the overall health and well-being of individuals. Similarly, creating an environment free from armed conflict and political instability contributes to healthier living conditions. Additionally, reducing discrimination and human rights violations leads to greater happiness and mental well-being. Moreover, universal policies and social legislations that enhance access to essential needs such as shelter, healthcare, education, employment, and social protection can further boost mental health outcomes. Overall, these efforts contribute to fostering healthier communities and individuals.

6.    Population and Mental health

The relationship between population and mental health services is a critical aspect of public health and healthcare systems worldwide. As the population grows, the demand for mental health services also tends to increase due to various factors like demographic changes, societal pressures, economic conditions, and awareness of mental health issues. With a larger population, there is often a greater prevalence of mental health disorders, ranging from common conditions like anxiety and depression to more severe illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Consequently, there is a heightened need for accessible and effective mental health services to address these conditions.

    However, the availability and quality of mental health services may vary significantly depending on the size and demographics of the population. To address the growing demand for mental health services, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations must prioritize mental health as a public health concern. This involves investing in infrastructure, expanding outreach and education initiatives, promoting de-stigmatization efforts, and integrating mental health services into primary care settings.

7.    Gender specific care and Life expectancy

The gender-specific care approach acknowledges the significant differences between men and women in terms of life expectancy, mortality rates, and mental health challenges. Women have a longer life expectancy at birth compared to men by about three years, leading to a higher proportion of elderly women aged 65 and above who require mental health services. Gender-specific approaches are necessary to address the unique needs of this demographic. Moreover, gender disparities exist in mortality rates between ages 15 and 60, with women facing a higher suicidal risk. Additionally, women are more susceptible to stress and neurotic disorders compared to men, indicating the importance of tailored interventions to address these gender-specific mental health issues.

8.    Stigma and Discrimination

Stigma and discrimination in mental health refer to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors directed towards individuals with mental health conditions. This pervasive issue can manifest in various forms, including social exclusion, derogatory language, and unequal treatment in healthcare settings, workplaces, and communities. Stigma often arises from misconceptions and stereotypes about mental illness, leading to fear, prejudice, and the perpetuation of harmful societal norms. 

    Discrimination against those with mental health challenges can result in profound consequences, such as barriers to accessing treatment, reduced opportunities for employment and housing, and diminished overall well-being. Addressing stigma and discrimination requires collective efforts from policymakers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and individuals alike to promote understanding, acceptance, and equal rights for individuals living with mental health conditions. Efforts to combat stigma involve education, advocacy, and fostering supportive environments that prioritize empathy, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their mental health status.

Conclusion

Social determinants play a crucial role in mental health outcomes, influencing individual’s susceptibility to mental health disorders and their access to various resources for treatment and support. Additionally, factors like socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing, social support networks, and access to healthcare services can significantly impact mental well-being of individuals. Disparities in these social determinants often contribute to inequalities in mental health outcomes among different population groups. Therefore, understanding and addressing these social determinants are essential for promoting mental health equity and improving overall well-being.