Summary

The mental health crisis refers to the current state of mental health in a population, characterized by a high prevalence of mental illness and a shortage of resources to address these issues. This can include a lack of access to mental health services, a shortage of trained mental health professionals, and societal stigmatization of mental illness. It can lead to poor outcomes for individuals living with mental illness, including increased rates of suicide, substance abuse, and homelessness.

Studies from the CDC have shown that approximately 1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness in a given year, with conditions such as depression and anxiety being the most common. Despite this, access to mental health services remains limited for many individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities or living in rural areas. Additionally, there is a shortage of trained mental health professionals, particularly in certain parts of the country, which can make it difficult for individuals to receive the care they need. Societal stigmatization of mental illness also remains a significant barrier to individuals seeking help. All of these factors have led to poor outcomes for people living with mental illness in America.

Mental health can have a significant impact on a student's ability to learn and succeed in the classroom. Students with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression may have difficulty focusing, paying attention, and retaining information. They may also struggle with motivation, self-esteem, and social interactions. These difficulties can lead to poor academic performance and difficulty completing assignments.

Additionally, mental health conditions can affect a student's behavior and ability to regulate emotions, which can lead to disruptions in the classroom and difficulty getting along with peers and teachers. On the other hand, good mental health can support students to be more engaged, motivated, and successful in their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Prominent Criticisms:

Although much has been done to resolve the mental health crisis, criticisms of the situation are still present.

First, is the lack of access to care. Low-income families have very little access to mental health services. Care is often expensive as well. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “8.7% of people who have incomes below the poverty level report severe psychological distress.” Healthcare providers are overwhelmed with the amount of patients they receive, and it often takes weeks to get into mental healthcare providers such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists.

Second, there is a significant amount of stigma surrounding mental illness, which can prevent people from seeking help. Individuals may feel challenged, different, unworthy, guilty, and unable to change their behaviors. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health recommends seven ways to reduce the stigma of mental health.

1. Know the facts by educating yourself about mental illness including substance use disorders.
2. Be aware of your attitudes and behavior. Examine your judgemental thinking, reinforced by upbringing and society.
3. Choose your words carefully. The way we speak can affect the attitudes of others.
4. Educate others. Pass on facts and positive attitudes; challenge myths and stereotypes.
5. Focus on the positive. Mental illness, including addictions, is only part of anyone’s larger picture.
6. Support people. Treat everyone with dignity and respect; offer support and encouragement.
7. Include everyone. It’s against the law to deny jobs or services to anyone with these issues.

Third, mental health research and treatment are underfunded compared to other health issues. This leads back to a lack of access to care and resources for treatment. This can lead to a lack of effective treatment options for many health conditions because not enough is known about them or treatment is expensive.

Fourth, individuals may develop an overreliance on medication. Critics argue that too many people are prescribed psychotropic medications as the first option for treatment, instead of being offered therapy, self-care, or other forms of treatment.

Finally, overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis are common in the mental health world. Overdiagnosis is a medical condition of an individual who never would have had problems or symptoms. It leads to deep psychological stress, mal scripted medication, and unnecessary treatment. This differs from misdiagnosis, which occurs simply when the wrong diagnosis is given, but there are symptoms and issues present. For example, doctors have commonly misdiagnosed people with depression, anxiety, or Bipolar Disorder when they have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Vocabulary

Ask the Teacher:

Do you think that it is important as a teacher to have empathy for those who struggle with mental health? Why or why not?

“Yes, we need empathy for our students who struggle with mental health. Why? Well, I believe that my students are children of God with immense potential. With the appropriate support, all my students can be successful. The challenge is how I can support them. I am not a mental health expert, but I know how to be successful and have overcome challenges in my own life.”

-Larry Duque

How could teachers help their students maintain good mental health?

“Teachers need to help students by maintaining good communication. I try to do this, but some students still need to respond to my invitations. I tell students what they need to do to be successful. I make myself available to help them. I set up support systems for my students. I invite them to come in for periodic chats. I can tell who will have challenges succeeding by looking at assignment submissions and how they participate in class within the first three weeks of the semester. I encourage students to be spiritually minded. I encourage students to be mindful of sleeping, eating, and using their time wisely.”

-Larry Duque

How has the mental health crisis affected the classroom throughout your career?

“Oh my. I have taught at BYU-I for 21 years and at two other universities. I have watched mental health issues take off over the last 25 years. Some students need more time to be ready for a university experience and need to go through a local community college before coming to BYU-I. Many of my struggling students do not have the appropriate preparation for university work and need more support at the local community college. Some students need to gain essential life skills to be at the university. I find more students need accommodations, and those without accommodations tell me they have mental health issues and need more time to complete their assignments.

Before teaching at the university level, I taught elementary school. I taught for 20 years. I had students with mental health issues, but not to the extent I see now at BYU-I. I have students on IEP but they were for learning challenges and not for mental health issues.”

-Larry Duque