Running Head People Diagnosed With Mental Illness1people Diagnosed ✓ Solved

My chosen population is people diagnosed with mental conditions. This is a critical population in most societies as they face various challenges, including seclusion and other forms of abuse. All age groups can be affected by mental conditions, with varying degrees of suffering. Research indicates that elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable compared to younger generations, but young adults in their early thirties also experience considerable mental health issues often unnoticed. These age groups face significant life transitions that can impact their mental health.

Factors such as culture/ethnicity and income significantly impact the vulnerability of individuals to mental health conditions. Cultural perceptions often lead to stigma and isolation for those suffering from mental illnesses, with some societies treating mental illness as a personal failure rather than acknowledging the biological and psychological complexities involved. Additionally, individuals with lower income may lack access to necessary treatment options, including therapy and medication.

Social factors like class, gender, and household dynamics also play a critical role in mental health vulnerability. A sudden shift in social class can lead to depression, often resulting in mental health disorders. Political factors, such as legislation designed to protect the mentally ill, can either help or hinder access to care. Economic conditions further exacerbate this issue, as individuals from poorer backgrounds face greater challenges in accessing mental health resources.

My proposed program aims to address these issues by offering two key services: transportation support for individuals lacking access to mental health services and information dissemination to raise awareness about mental health disorders such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder. This community-focused initiative will ensure that more individuals can seek appropriate treatment and understanding of mental health challenges.

Currently, many community mental health centers exist, but essential transportation and awareness services are often missing. There are multiple risk factors associated with mental disorders, among them genetic predisposition, drug abuse, and traumatic experiences. Notably, the mental health needs of adolescents are frequently overlooked, perpetuating the misconception that young people are less affected by these issues. My program will also target this demographic by providing long-term mental health care to ensure ongoing support and treatment as needed.

In conclusion, mental health challenges continue to impact a significant portion of the global population. My program offers innovative solutions to reduce the prevalence of mental illness in our community by addressing transportation barriers and promoting mental health education.

Proposed Program Description

The proposed program will focus on two primary services: transportation assistance for individuals needing to reach mental health facilities, and awareness initiatives to educate the community about mental health issues. By focusing on preventative care, this program aims to minimize the number of new cases of mental disorders while also supporting those affected.

Barriers to Receiving Proper Care

Barrier 1: Financial issues create significant obstacles for individuals seeking mental health care. Many affected individuals cannot afford therapy sessions or medications, leading to a lack of treatment and worsening conditions.

Barrier 2: Community-level barriers, such as the closure of mental health facilities due to funding cuts, can leave individuals without access to necessary care. Additionally, transportation difficulties often exacerbate the issue, particularly for individuals in rural areas.

Barrier 3: A lack of sufficient awareness about mental health among community members creates stigma, discouraging individuals from seeking help. This is a cultural barrier that needs addressing through education and outreach.

Potential Solutions to Barriers

To mitigate financial barriers, we propose a partnership with local organizations to create a financial assistance program for those in need. This could include grants or sliding-scale fee structures for therapy services. For community-level barriers, advocating for increased funding for mental health services can help maintain accessible facilities while also addressing transportation needs by establishing a community transport fund.

To overcome the awareness barrier, we suggest organizing regular workshops in the community that focus on mental health education, breaking down stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek help when needed.

Analysis of Regulatory, Legal, Ethical, and Accreditation Requirements

Organizations seeking to provide mental health services must adhere to various regulations, including non-discrimination laws, public health requirements, and documentation standards concerning individuals served. Additionally, legal frameworks dictate the ethical expectations required for delivering mental health services to protect clients from potential harm.

Accreditation with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) ensures that such organizations maintain high-quality care and undergo regular self-evaluation to continuously improve their services. Compliance with these standards is crucial in establishing authority and trust within the community.

Conclusion

The outlined program seeks to address the critical barriers faced by individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses through comprehensive services focused on accessibility and education. Tackling these issues can improve mental health outcomes significantly and ensure a supportive environment for all individuals in our community.

References

  • Zis, P., Daskalaki, A., Bountouni, I., Sykioti, P., Varrasi, G., & Paladini, A. (2017). Depression and chronic pain in the elderly: links and management challenges. Clinical interventions in aging, 12, 709.

  • Network of Care. (2018). Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.

  • Firdaus, G. (2017). Built environment and health outcomes: Identification of contextual risk factors for mental well-being of older adults. Ageing International, 42(1), 62-77.

  • Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. (2014). What does accreditation mean for my care?

  • World Health Organization. (2021). Mental Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders

  • Murray, C. J. L., & Lopez, A. D. (2013). The Global burden of disease: a comprehensive assessment of mortality and disability from diseases, injuries, and risk factors in 1990 and projected to 2020. Harvard University Press.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020). Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment

  • Pope, C., & Mays, N. (2020). Qualitative research in health care. Wiley-Blackwell.

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2022). Trends in Mental Illness and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/mhstats