How Social Workers Address Systemic Mental Health Issues

Guest Blogger: Judy Bartlett

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, about one in five adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2020. While there are a lot of individual factors that can increase one’s risk of developing a mental illness, the systemic issues that plague today’s society can affect the mental health of the whole population. Poverty, homelessness, overpopulation, civil rights, racial discrimination, gender inequality, bullying, as well as poor leadership, are some of the systemic issues that can raise the prevalence of mental health disorders in today’s society. It is vital for those suffering mental health issues to take control before it is too late, but many find it difficult to do so without professional help. Particularly those in difficult situations.

Individuals, couples, children, and families who are subjected to society’s worst systemic issues can be helped and uplifted by social workers. These professionals play a critical role in protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting families that are in dire need of assistance. Here, let’s take a look at what social workers can do to address systemic mental health issues.

Bring awareness to the link between poverty and mental health

Ending poverty is an incredibly challenging task for the leaders of the modern world. However, it is important that we collectively take steps towards eradicating poverty as it has multiple far-reaching and long-lasting consequences, such as lack of access to education, food insecurity, and child death. Apart from that, poverty is also a prominent cause of mental health problems. Studies show that poverty in childhood and among adults can cause poor mental wellness through stigma, trauma, and social stresses.

Social workers are in the perfect position of helping bring awareness to the connection between poverty and mental health, and can do a lot in eliminating poverty in today’s society. Social work is founded on a guiding principle that aims to provide social justice, which defines poverty as a primary social problem. Social workers can speak on behalf of those who are in poverty in order to obtain needed resources. In addition, social workers can also provide advocacy services, allowing them to work alongside governmental agencies in bringing awareness to those who live on the fringe of society, and are affected by mental illnesses and physical disabilities. By working towards ending poverty and highlighting the struggles of those who are impoverished, social workers can improve the mental wellness of the destitute members of their community.

Treat abuse as a public justice issue

Abuse is a public justice and systemic issue that can cause the severe deterioration of an individual’s mental health. According to national organizations, about 20 adults and 6 children are abused every minute in the U.S. Apart from not recognizing abusive behavior and destroying their self-esteem, victims of abuse are often economically tied to their abuser, which makes it impossible for them to leave. Without proper funds, it is difficult for victims of abuse to find the transportation to leave, afford safe housing, and even buy food to nourish themselves. As one might expect, this issue prevails more for those who come from low-income families.

Because of this, social workers should recognize that abuse is a public justice issue and that it’s important that they make resources more accessible to the communities they serve. The good news is that more social workers are viewing their career through a social justice lens, and getting qualifications in areas such as forensic psychology alongside traditional social programs. A forensic psychology program, in relation to social care, teaches workers to develop an interconnected understanding of human psychology through a series of courses in abnormal psychology, social psychology, cognition, and critical thinking. This, in turn, allows social workers to come up with community policies that make it easier for them to help victims to leave — whether it’s offering free shelters, providing mental health counseling sessions, or discreetly connecting individuals to law enforcers and legal aid.

Without a doubt, social workers play a huge role in solving the causes of systemic mental health issues that affect today’s society. For more wellness and mental health insights, be sure to read our other posts.

****
Project Passport is a proactive mental wellness company that aims to bring mental wellness retreats, workshops and other services to company teams. We also help individuals create joy in their lives every step of the way. To learn more about our company retreats and services, click here. Our travel retreats will resume in the future as the world reopens.