Mental Disorders and Its Effect on Society - Term Paper Example

Mental Disabilities Mental disorders affect a very large part of the society and lead to detrimental effects in the society as well as to families. This means that mental disorders do not only affect the victim but also the society. This is because the society has the burden of taking care of the mentally disabled people. Family members are also important in caring for people with mental disorders. This paper explains how mental disorders affect the society as well as families with mentally ill people. It also addresses the effects of mental disability to the individual having the disorder and provides some remedial recommendations. Introduction Mental disorders are not only major risk factors for poorer health, social and economic results but also direct source of morbidity and mortality. Conversely, it is evident that the absence or presence of positive mental health also affects outcomes across a wide range of spheres. Among them are higher educational attainment, healthier lifestyles, improved recovery, fewer limitations in daily living, improved quality of life, employment and earnings, better relationships, greater social cohesion and engagement better physical health, and greater productivity (Friedli, 1). In addition, mental health problems have key effects on health care structures, disability and mortality. When aggregating these impacts one considers the following standardized mortality rates, disability-adjusted life-years and health care costs. On the other hand, there are various economic consequences, though seen as indirect costs. These costs include education, housing, criminal justice, social security systems and social care, and mainly experienced by the patients of mental health problems and their families (Knapp, 477). Mental health problems are regularly of long period since onset is usually at a much younger age than for other disorders besides having a very high prevalence rates. Consequently, no other health condition corresponds with mental ill health in terms of persistence, prevalence and breadth of impacts (Friedli, 15). Effects of Mental disabilities to the affected individual In the European Region, it is evident that concerning the level of disability, mental health problems have become one of the leading causes for both early retirement and absenteeism from work. In addition, mental health has serious impacts on the economy and society because it affects both the individual’s productivity in the workplace and the competitiveness of businesses. On the other hand, the employees’ mental health status could also influence employees’ absenteeism, staff turnover, performance, and rates of illness. Consequently, there could be substantial productivity losses due to sickness absenteeism while exclusion from the labor force and early retirement because of mental health problems and work-related stress explain a huge share of long-term social welfare benefits (Baumann & Muijen, 2). The costs falling to the health service is 23 times less than the effect of depression on employment in cost terms. However, this huge ‘hidden’ effect is likely to be underestimated. Moreover, there is a hidden effect of depression on lowered productivity at work. It is evident that the reduction of depressive symptoms more rapidly influences employment than health service utilization. The patients are the ones who feel the immediate employment effects of depression although it normally occurs in terms of lost national productivity. In most cases, people do not view employment only as their main source of income and pension entitlements, but it also gives social identity, expands social networks and generates self-esteem (Knapp, 477). Workplace costs, nevertheless, do not limit only to the consequences of clinically diagnosed mental illness but stretch to less than optimum mental health. However, estimates claim that the cost of sickness absence is twice less that of loss of productivity linked with poor mental health. In addition, studies claims that one’s presence at workplace has a significant large effect on worker productivity. As a result, presenteeism account for 1.5 times as much working time lost as absenteeism and costs more to employers since it is widespread among higher-paid staff (Friedli, 18). However, mental disorders have great impact on individuals and their employment much beyond the economic issues. Conversely, people with mental disorders experience social exclusion, stigmatization and barriers in getting equal opportunities at all stages of life. Because of the stigma associated with “mental illness” a patient finds it hard to search for a job in the open market, returning to work or retaining a job after sickness absence. Consequently, people with mental health problems have twice the risk of losing their jobs and are unduly out of work (Baumann & Muijen, 3). Effects of mental disabilities on the family and society Various financial constraints come up with caring for a person with a persistent mental disorder. This is because for one, the person taking care of the ill person would not have a chance to get a substantial income. In addition, this problem can accelerate if the patient was the sole provider of the family, and no any other relative can take up this role. This may prove very difficult for the family particularly because of the deprivation of the major source of income (Fadden, et al., 287). Brooks adds that since people with mental disorders frequently act out on their illusions or feelings of obsession, they find it hard to maintain jobs, which leads to financial problems on the family. In addition, these financial constraints may accrue due to the persistent treatments that the patient receives particularly the cost of medication and constant therapies. Moreover, these family members use most of their time looking after their sick patients. Therefore, they do not have adequate time to engage in financial activities. However, despite these financial strains, there are several programs put in place to address the issue for instance Social Security Disability. Conversely, these services may also cause strains to the family since application can be complicated and stressing (5). Beyond the family circle, mental disorders especially those affecting children and adolescents incur enormous costs to the society in general. Loss of society productivity accelerates this cost impact on the society. This is because the society, in which there is great prevalence of adolescents and child mental behaviors, uses most of its resources to address the problem rather than to meaningful production. Children with Attention Deficit Disorders, depression, and conduct disorder have augmented rates of health care consumption. These mentally disabled children also inflict costs on society in terms of burden on the criminal justice system, education as well as social services (Belfer, 231). In the case of older people with mental disabilities, they impose increased costs due to costly admissions to nursing homes as well as family financial strains. Even though it is hard to impose an economic value on informal care, it is evident that the cost is both high and frequently ignored in policy and practice debates (Knapp, 477). Social isolation and discrimination is one of the major consequences on the relatives who live with mentally ill people. These relatives often use most of their time taking care of their mentally sick relatives, a situation which deprives tem of important social time and leisure activities. In particular, wives whose husbands are mentally ill often believe that due to the condition, other people deem them as disgrace, therefore articulate fears concerning social discrimination. Due to this, most of them devise strategies that might keep them far from their friends, for instance relocating form their residences (Fadden, et al., 286). Brooks adds that relatives with mentally ill patients might feel unease of allowing other family members or even friends to visit them, if the patients would behave in an awkward way. In addition, teenagers whose parents are mentally ill, find it very difficult to interact with other peers. This is because they feel bad for having parents who are different from others. Moreover, in the case of people married or in a relationship with a mentally retarded partner, they feel deprived of various entertaining and leisure activities for instance travelling together or going out for dinner. This is because their partners would not enjoy such activities with them (4). Another effect of mental illness to family members and other relatives is the issue of causing disturbance and being burdensome. Relatives raise concerns that these mentally disabled people causes disturbance to the neighbors as well as making them to have sleepless nights (Fadden, et al., 287). According to Robinson et al, various events are very stressful to the family members who are nursing mentally disabled people. These stressful events might affect the psychological well-being of family members or even friends. These events might include death of the mentally ill patients, committing suicide, imprisonment, instigating violence, redundancy, family breakdown as well as parental drug abuse. Some grave life happenings, for instance family breakdowns, might have a considerable impact on individual wellbeing for two years and above (6). Those related to and looking after people with mental disorders feel innumerable emotions such as fury, guilt, humiliation, bitterness, depression and confusion. In particular, parents who have mentally retarded children will often feel guilty since they deem as the ones who might have caused the condition. Other family members will feel embarrassed since the mentally disabled persons under their care might behave in awkward ways. In addition, children of people with mental disorders often feel neglected and are susceptible of developing mental illness in latter stages of life. Young children are particularly susceptible if a parent with a mental disorder engages them in their illusionary thinking. Moreover, siblings of people with mental illness might feel puzzled and angry since the brother or sister has the disorder and they do not (Brooks, 3). There are also various policy problems in attempting to treat and manage child and teenagers mental disorders. These disorders become ubiquitous and troublesome in attempting to contain them. For instance, the task of establishing the global extent of child and adolescence mental disorders is very complex and proves very challenging to policy makers. The lack of data collection capability for epidemiological research is a key shortfall. Restricted child and teenager diagnostic scheme; insufficiencies in cultural and cross-cultural perception; and understanding the significance of impairment considerably corrode not only appropriate assessment but also the growth of suitable services. Moreover, all of these restraints have weakened the expansion of successful promotion, restricted policy development and decreased the probability of maintaining suitable services for children and teenagers with mental disorders (Belfer, 233). Another effect of mental disorders to the general population is the instigation of violence. Various studies indicate that mentally ill persons often cause aggressiveness and might harm the innocent public. There have been many cases of mentally ill people stabbing other people and even others shooting their colleagues (Swanson, et al., 1528). In addition, the likelihood of mentally ill persons instigating violence varies according to gender. Most studies indicate that violence instigated by mental illness is more prevalent in male patients compared to the female victims (1529). The fundamental determinants of aggressive behavior instigated by mentally ill persons are very complex and diverse. Psychopathology by itself seldom leads to aggressiveness but it might merge with other aspects that, together, considerably augment the probability of aggressive behavior. These factors include homelessness, treatment rebelliousness, unfavorable social conditions and substance abuse (1523). Mental disabilities are also a major determinant of criminal activities. There have been many convicted criminals, who show signs of mental illnesses. This is because mental health problems make a considerable contribution to criminal actions and a very high percentage of imprisoned people have one or more mental disabilities, therefore prevention is likely to effect in substantial savings (Friedli, 19). In spite of the numerous effects and challenges faced by the families and other people nursing mentally disabled persons, the same families can offer mitigation to these conditions. In this regard, family members can provide the required support and encouragement to mentally disabled people. Family members are at a better position to offer this support since they are familiar to the mentally ill people and they live close to them. However, family members should not carry out this task on their own; they should seek support and counseling from other professional (Brooks, 6). Robinson, et al adds that mental health disorders, which are not very severe or serious, are manageable through various therapies and counseling within the family context. The outcome will however depend on the skills and knowledge concerning mental health disorders that the caregiver has. On the other hand, more severe mental health problems might require referral to specialist care prior to addressing family or relationship issues (11). Conclusion The prevalence of mental disabilities is very high in the general population and particularly among children and adolescents. Engagement in drug abuse and other anti-social behaviors are the principal causes of mental disorders, though there are other possible genetic causes. Mental disorders cause detrimental effects in the lives of the victim. A victim with a mental disability may loose his or her job, lack viable employment, and engage in anti-social behaviors or even commit suicide due to depression. In addition, mental disorders cause various effects to the general society. For instance, there is less productivity hence effect on economies as well as instigation of crime and violence. Moreover, the families of people with mental disorders face various challenges including burdensome, financial strains, disturbance and depression. However, despite these challenges there is a possibility of reducing them through family care as well as counseling and therapy. Works Cited Baumann, Anja & Muijen, Matt. Mental Health and Well-Being at the Workplace – Protection and Inclusion in Challenging Times. 2010. Web. Belfer, Myron. “Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders: The Magnitude of the Problem Across the globe.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 49.3 (2008): 226-236. Print. Brooks, Ashley. The Effects of Schizophrenia on a Family. 2011. Web. Fadden, G. et al. “The Burden of Care: The Impact of Functional Psychiatric Illness on the Patient's Family.” The British Journal of Psychiatry 150 (1987): 285-292. Print. Friedli, Lynne. Mental Health, Resilience and Inequalities. 2009. Web. Knapp, Martin. “Hidden Costs of Mental Illness.” The British Journal of Psychiatry 183 (2003): 477-478. Print. Robinson, Elly, et al. Family Relationships and Mental Illness: Impacts and Service Responses. 2008. Web. Swanson, Jeffrey, et al. “The Social-Environmental Context of Violent Behavior in Persons Treated for Severe Mental Illness.” American Journal of Public Health 92.9 (2002): 1523-1531. Print. Read More