Mental health is a complex concept, and we often only recognize it when something goes wrong. Health in our society is not measured in terms of costs, or money. We might be concerned with achieving a higher life expectancy or better survival chances, but those things do not offer an alternative to our financial concerns.
Today’s economic situation is particularly challenging for many people, and the rising costs of health care are a concern for all of us. But when it comes to improving our mental health, we seem to suffer more than our physical health, and it’s time we learn to pay attention to that too.
Psychological health has been the subject of much debate and many studies in recent years. Researchers have discovered that both the physical and the mental health of someone can vary a bit. This difference can exist in spite of the most rigorous and thorough diagnostic tests. One of the latest studies on the subject concluded, “We can do better than this.”
The health care system is a complex problem because of the perceived need to decrease overall health care costs. There is a growing trend towards rationing care, and many patients are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the ability to reach their doctors. The result is a fragmented health care system where a lot of what we get is compromised.
Mental Health
When we look at these systems, we may see that we are seeing an emerging trend toward co-pays. Why do we need to pay so much out of pocket for health care? Although co-pays reduce overall costs, they may do little to improve the quality of health care. As some patients are unable to pay the co-pays, they will have less access to timely, quality care, which is far more costly.
The study conducted by the Yale School of Medicine found that it is no longer affordable for people to receive mental health treatment. People who have to go without therapy or medicine for depression, anxiety, or other problems are more likely to die prematurely. The incidence of deaths due to untreated mental illness is increasing, and the reason for this is our evolving health care system.
When we pay attention to health, we are paying attention to both physical and mental health. Physical health often means that we can attend to the day-to-day needs of our lives, and the most immediate concerns, such as a broken bone. Mental health is about the future of our families, our own well-being, and the future of our culture and civilization.
Medical equipment and pharmaceuticals can cost thousands of dollars. So the entire world must be grateful that we can afford it. It is possible that we will see what many of the survivors of war and torture have experienced, such as natural health care for a lot less than our current prices. It’s time to stop placing so much emphasis on saving money and to begin to pay attention to our mental health as well.
Other Studies
Studies show that very few Americans consult their doctors or psychologists on a regular basis which is even less surprising when you consider that mental health has been considered a private affair for centuries. The result is that we’re missing a lot of opportunities to practice good health habits.
People overlook two things, such as the role of diet and exercise and the role of positive mental health. When a person eats properly, they can be healthier and live longer.
Exercise is also critical for mental health because it helps you manage stress, and it gives you opportunities to socialize with others. By creating an atmosphere that promotes mental wellness. We can not only create a sense of well-being, but we can create a society that is less violent and more compassionate. And that’s exactly what we should be doing.
You’ll be healthy as a horse, but is it worth your while to take that advice seriously. It is possible to live well on less, and that’s what the future holds for everyone.
