As well as the immediate impact on an individual and their loved ones, poor mental health has a wider impact on society too. Mental illness is a huge problem, causing enormous economic and social costs. It has many causes, and the consequences are widespread. Billions are spent every year on mental health care alone. This cost includes direct costs such as the loss of income due to untreated illness, costs of social supports, and missed work days, as well as indirect costs such as the high rate of chronic disability and social stigma. The good news is that treatments for mental illness are widely available and becoming increasingly accessible.
Studies show that mental illness has a direct impact on one’s ability to work and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Individuals with major depression, for example, experience higher absence rates and lower levels of productivity. In addition, youth with untreated mental illness are more likely to be involved in delinquency, substance abuse, and the criminal justice system. For information about Mental Health Training Courses, go to a site such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-courses
Mental illnesses affect people in many ways, from their physical health to their social and cognitive function. They also affect people’s energy levels, reducing their ability to engage in healthy behaviours and productive activities. These people often lack motivation to maintain their physical health, and instead adopt unhealthy lifestyle choices that can ultimately lead to additional health problems.
