What Are the Significance of Mental Health in Nursing?

In a country already battling with mental health problems, alarming indicators abound regarding the future.

Based on Mental Health America (MHA), 21% — over 50 million of U.S. adults experienced mental health issues between the years of 2019 and 2020. The COVID-19 epidemic exacerbated the existing issues, with the Commonwealth Fund issuing a warning in 2020 regarding the risk of mental health issues that last for a long time due to increased domestic violence, opioid overdoses as well and an absence of effective care.

In October 2022, the majority of Americans believed that the U.S. was in a mental health crisis, as per an analysis by The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and CNN. Indeed, 51% of people said that their families were experiencing the worst mental health issues. The best nursing colleges in Illinois (community colleges) play a crucial role in enabling individual nurses to meet these difficulties head-on and provide universal access to high-quality mental health care.

Mental health professionals are responding to the need for help with these issues. They are the second largest group of professionals in behavioral health as per the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Mental health nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) operate in different locations to provide a wide variety of services for individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Anyone interested in a nursing profession that can help tackle the problems of mental health in the United States must be aware of the role of a psychiatrist. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are usually licensed nurses (RNs) or advanced nursing professionals. Their work in practical nursing addresses the effects of behavior and social factors and the function of the nervous system in mental health.

Importance of Mental Health in Nursing

The crucial importance of mental health in nursing, not just in the realm of emotional well-being but also for physical health, makes a critical care nurse’s job vital for mental health. This is particularly important since the country is facing numerous mental health issues and a shortage of experts to address them.

Mental Health Challenges

A 2020 Commonwealth Fund study raised concerns about the rise in mental health issues because of the increased number of domestic violence incidents and the use of drugs during the time of the pandemic. NBC News confirmed that most police departments that they contacted during the initial phase of the pandemic saw an increase in domestic violence incidents. In addition, a report in 2022 from The Journal of Urban Health found an increase in the number of deaths from opioid overdoses during the time of the pandemic.

In 2022, a KFF/CNN poll revealed that a third of adults reported constantly or frequently being anxious. Twenty percent said they were always or often depressed. Along with current events and financial worries, they were the main factors that contributed to depression and anxiety in a variety of settings.

The problems that affect mental health may also impact physical health. The site focuses on depression and chronic illness as an example. It also states that there is a higher mortality rate for those with mental health issues.

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Mental Health Care Deficits in Mental Healthcare

People with mental health issues tend to be more likely to encounter difficulties in accessing healthcare. In October 2022, the number of Americans who resided in regions with a shortage of mental health professionals (HPSAs) was high, as per the Health Resources & Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

The experts think that vocational nurses of the healthcare team in mental health could be crucial in meeting the need for treatment. For instance, in 2021, The Psychiatric Times encouraged psychiatrists and PHMNPs to cooperate to fill in the gaps.

This is the importance of mental health in nursing.

Enhance Your Nursing Career with a Vital Nursing Position

The U.S. is struggling with many mental health issues and a shortage of health care professionals who can address the problems of clinical settings. Mental health nurses are essential in addressing the demands of mental health and mental health requirements.

If you’re interested in pursuing a diploma in nursing, look at your options through the Verve College accredited LPN programs (nursing programs). Our practical nurse program concentration will prepare the health care team or clinical nurses to assume this leadership role and learn how to identify vital signs and give direct patient care suffering from chronic and acute mental health issues.

Get Your Nursing Career Training Readiness Score Now!

The flexible licensed practical nurse programs near me or online programs permit you to finish your studies while continuing with your current position. It prepares you to help patients suffering from a variety of mental and behavioral health issues and collaborate alongside other healthcare professionals in the field to meet the most pressing campus requirements.