Mental health is considered a bigger threat than cancer, new study says

March is Brain Health Awareness Month, and two new studies show Americans are more worried about their mental health than their physical health. Americans now believe that poor mental health is one of the biggest threats to public health, second only to obesity and the opioid epidemic, according to the latest Axios-Ipsos America Health Index.The report reveals that Almost nine in 10 people say they view mental health issues as a serious social threat, now surpassing access to firearms, cancer and COVID-19.

However, treating mental health conditions is very different from what is more traditionally considered a “serious” illness. Dr. Nicole Siegfried, chief clinical officer at Lightly Behavioral Health, believes this is one of the biggest shortcomings in mental health care and treatment in America. “For example, in a disease like cancer, doctors won’t discharge a patient without an appropriate and aggressive treatment plan, whereas a mentally ill patient with severe mental health problems may have a difficult time figuring out next steps. They leave the hospital with little or no action, says Siegfried. The lack of resources for people suffering from suicidal thoughts creates a cycle of readmissions, which she set out to address. , points out that mental health should be treated as seriously as other major public health issues.

Mental health is now a bigger threat than cancer

It’s a similar message that U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has been delivering for years, citing loneliness as a public health crisis. Last year, he published an 85-page advisory declaring loneliness a new public health epidemic in the United States. “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been underestimated as a public health crisis that harms the health of individuals and society. Our relationships are the source of healing hidden in plain sight. and a source of well-being, helping us live healthier, fuller and more productive lives,” says Murthy. “Given the significant health impacts of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connections in the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.” Together, we can build a nation that is healthier, more resilient, less lonely and more connected.” Tracking declines in social connections, it shows that half of adults feel lonely and is linked to billions of dollars in health care costs. The findings show that loneliness is as bad as smoking, having a serious impact on mental health and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia. He cites the need to rebuild the country’s social fabric through social connections as an antidote to this crisis.

To learn more about recent research, I spoke via email with Dr. Pooja Rupani, director of Northern California clinical operations at LightFree Behavioral Health, who found that mental health is a bigger health threat than cancer. He explained the results of a survey that showed that “These results are not surprising given the recent years and the collective trauma we have experienced as a global community during the pandemic,” she told me. She also said that the rising cost of living and increasing political and cultural conflicts in the United States are creating more stress than ever before. “Indeed, it is very encouraging that mental health is receiving the attention it deserves, through research publications and media coverage,” she argues. “Stigma around mental health issues has been debilitating for far too long, so the first step in making mental health a priority is for us to talk about it freely and openly.” .”

I asked Rupani why mental health should be treated as seriously as other major public health issues. “Contrary to what many people believe, the word ‘mental health’ is not synonymous with having a mental health problem or a serious psychiatric diagnosis,” she told me. . “Broadly speaking, mental health is the mental health that affects our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even our physical health.” According to Rupani, everyone has mental health. It affects relationships, performance at school and work, the ability to cope with life’s challenges large and small, the ability to cope with stress, and the ability to communicate effectively with others. “So if it affects most areas of our lives and we’re all experiencing it, then it should be treated like any other serious public health issue. “Of course,” she points out. “For example, while it’s true that poor mental health is not contagious in the same way as the flu, it’s not just people with mental health issues who suffer from its effects. I When one of us suffers, it affects all of our family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, and community members.” , cite the enormous economic costs of untreated mental health difficulties as a result of decreased productivity and increased emergency room use. One of the biggest things we can do as individuals, she says, is to recognize that we have a mental health condition and that asking for help is actually a sign of strength. Suggests. She says there are many different types of help, including psychotherapy and psychopharmacological therapy, simply talking to friends and family, participating in activities that energize the mind and body, and contributing to the community through volunteering and mentoring. There is a shape.

How employers can address mental health threats

Rupani believes employers need to recognize that mental health issues are prevalent at all levels of employment, leading to burnout and high employee turnover. “Having an energized and engaged workforce is no longer just about having a ‘wellness day’ or having a staff ‘vacation’,” she argues. “Many workplaces are addressing employee mental health by providing more resources for support, offering flexible working conditions, and increasing discussion of mental health in the workplace. This is an encouraging start, and more needs to be done to ensure these gains are sustainably integrated into the overall workplace culture.” It is important to ensure that staff have the appropriate training on how to recognize the signs of stress and burnout and the ability to have difficult conversations about it with staff, he added. “Employers need to work from the top down to create a safe culture within their organizations where employees at all levels can freely access support without fear of losing their jobs,” she concluded. “Company policies that prioritize a healthy work-life balance, social connections, culturally appropriate benefits, and transparent communication can have a huge impact as we face this crisis together.”