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Shelby Martin

ENG 1201

Research Paper

20 April, 2019

How Does Mental Illness Affect the Economy and Society?

It affects our ability to focus, think, and function- mental health. Not only does mental

health affect our own lives but it affects our relationships, the U.S. economy and society. Mental

illness is the leading cause of disability world wide. As so many Americans suffer, this illness

affects our nation greatly. Not only do Americans suffer from mental illness but many cultures

around the world suffer as well. As one’s mental health varies, so does one’s culture. Mental

health affects each culture differently and one’s culture affects their mental health as well. In

American culture, mental health affects our economy and society as a whole. This impact is only

so great because of how American culture views society. If the United States treated mental

health just as physical health, it would lead to a better economy and healthier humanity.

In Canada the concept of mental health is thought to be heavily protected during early

childhood development. To protect certain aspects of a child’s life and their psyche is to protect

their future and indirectly, the economy (Pediatric Society). There is also a correlation between

gender and mental illness. It has been said that “21.7 percent of women experience mental

illness… compared to 14.5 percent of men” (Gale). Social class can also affect mental illness

and mental illness can affect one’s social class. “... communities vulnerable to higher rates of

mental illness include people suffering from chronic homelessness and prisoners. Being

homeless or incarcerated can worsen mental illness, particularly if treatment is unavailable”

(“Mental Disorders”).

In treatment of mental illness, the United States has been “deinstitutionalizing”

individuals rapidly since the 1950s. Instead, the mentally ill have been incarcerated rather than
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being treated. This can occur with the failure to “make a distinction between a generally bad

mental state and severe mental illness” (Stepman). Stepman further states that the “severely

mentally ill are more dangerous”. This thought is highly controversial and debated among those

with loved ones who are mentally ill.

Around the world success is unattainable in the eyes of those with mental health

issues because of cultural views and stigmatic views on mental illness. One who suffers from

mental illness may feel alone or rejected because of mental health issues and exhibit lack of

help- seeking behaviors. Despite this feeling, 20% of adults experience mental health issues

and 50% of those illnesses begin by age 14. One in five children from the ages of 13 to 18,

have or will have a serious mental illness. If America treats mental health with the same

severity we treat physical health in childhood development, then it will lead to better national

health and a better national economy (“Mental Health By Numbers”).

Mental illness has been prevalent since the stone ages. Causes of mental illness were

thought to be one of three things: supernatural forces, somatogenic disorders, or psychogenic

disorders (“History of Mental Illness”). The theory of supernatural forces is the thought that

demonic spirits, eclipses, planetary gravitation, curses, sin, or displeasure of God brings on

mental illness. This theory was most popular during this time from the lack of scientific and

psychological discovery. The somatogenic theory suggests that mental health issues or mania

were brought on by illness, genetic inheritance, or brain damage. The psychogenic theory

suggests that horrific trauma, personal experience, maladaptive associations, or distorted

perceptions are the causes of some mental illnesses. Although these theories seem advance for

early centuries, the treatment options were not. There was no establishment of hospitals or

asylums at this time so mental health treatments were based on trial and error. The suspected

cause of one’s illness pointed to certain treatments. If it was suspected that you were

possessed or had a supernatural force compelling your behavior, a religious healing ceremony

was performed to confess sins or compel supernatural forces to heal one’s mania or illness. If
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this proved ineffective, one would be drilled in the scull to let the demonic presence or spirit out.

In some cases, the cause of mental illness would be somatogenic. Physical illnesses influencing

the mind were thought to be a result containing too much blood or not enough blood. People

would then drain their blood or infuse blood to control temperaments (“History of Mental

Illness”).

In the 16th century mental hospitals and asylums were established to house the mentally

ill. Their purpose was to confine those with mental health issues and remove them from society

against their will. At this time, the patients were treated as prisoners rather than guests. They

would live in “miserable conditions” where hygiene and a proper environment for mental health

were not considered. “By the 18th century, protests rose over the conditions under which the

mentally ill lived, and the 18th and 19th centuries saw the growth of a more humanitarian view of

mental illness” (“History of Mental Illness). This the view of mental health issues improved

positively, the treatment regressed in the late 19th century due to overcrowding. Once more

hospitals and asylums were built and dedicated to helping those who were mentally ill, patients

began to be treated as guests rather than prisoners and somatogenic theories were appreciated

more. Into the 20th century with the progression of psychology and the creation of the Diagnostic

and Statistical Manual in 1952, mental illness achieved the treatment options and stigma it has

today. (“History of Mental Illness”).

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This chart from BBC News shows how income can affect the mental health within a

household. There is a direct correlation between financial security and mental health. This factor

in a child’s development can be protected to shape their future mental health.

Although the stigma and treatment options of mental health have made much progress

throughout the centuries, it still has a long way to go. Cultural perceptions around the world vary

greatly from the United State’s perception. The cultural perception of mental health can

influence how one’s self esteem, perception of others with mental illness, and their likelihood to

seek help for their mental illness. To cultures in the pacific islands, mental illness is a “result of

family conflicts” (Choudhry, Mani, Ming, & Khan, 2016). Things such divorce, parental conflicts,

abuse, or other tragedies among family members were thought to bring on mental disorders.

Among Jewish cultures, it has been found that “mental illness is seen as an opportunity to

receive divine messages, a means of forgiveness, and to improve their souls” (Choudhry, et al.,
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2016). In some Southeast Asian cultures, it is thought that “supernatural forces or phenomena

are responsible for mental health issues.” These forces are considered to exert their wrath or

denial of spirit to individuals. These cultural views are similar to America’s views in the stone

ages. This cultural setting can lead those suffering from mental illness to stay quiet about their

struggles and become a disabled member of society. In western cultures such as Switzerland,

another study concluded that demons were the main cause of mental health problems, and in

Southern Asian cultures mental illness is a natural part of suffering predestined for certain

individuals (Choudhry, et al., 2016).

Although the cultural view in the United States is unlike other cultures, the stigma is still

harsh. As mental illness is often overlooked as a debilitating issue or even nothing more than

being sad, half of all mental illnesses begin during childhood. The Canadian Pediatric Society

has done extensive research on protective factors and risk factors pertaining to mental

illnesses. These factors relate to the individual, family, and environment. To protect a child’s

mental health, individual factors such as physical health, cognitive ability, language, social skills,

and experiences are to be protected. Exposure to violent behavior, low self esteem, or

impulsivity may lead to mental health issues in adolescence. High parental support, parental

physical and mental well-being, and regular communication within a family are protective

factors. Separation from family members, family tragedies, parental mental or physical illness,

and financial stressors are risk factors that may lead a child to have mental health issues.

Environmental protective factors such as support from peers, positive school environment, and

social activities promote mental health. Environmental risk factors include discrimination,

changes in residence, or absence of community can lead put a child’s mental health at risk

(Pediatric Society). If these factors were monitored closely by parents, guardians, or doctors, a

mental illness can be caught early to receive treatment. Just as a child’s junk food intake and

exercise are monitored, these risk factors must be monitored along side them.
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Treating a child in the early stages of mental illness can not only improve their quality of

life, but also improve the economy. According to the US National Library of Medicine National

Institutes of Health “mental disorders therefore account for more economic costs than chronic

somatic diseases such as cancer or diabetes…” (Trautmann, Rehm, & Wittchen, 2016). More

than an inconvenience to those affected by mental illness, it is a worldwide social problem. The

economic loss is measured as “human capital loss”. This is divided into direct and indirect loss

from mental illness. Direct loss would be increased number of doctor visits, hospital stays, and

medications. Indirect loss would be mortality, disability, work absence, and early retirement.

These losses affect the economy as a whole and when people are unable to work, the economy

suffers. In 2010, the total “cost of mental disorders [was] estimated at $2.5 trillion”. This statistic

was thought to double by the year 2030 (Trautmann, et al, 2016). Within the United States

budget, 5% of taxes fall into miscellaneous (“Federal Budget 101”). In this category lies the

treatment for mental health and addiction. Though this number is small, great strides have been

made in America’s history and it will only improve. With the stigma what it is today, I think mental

health issues should be taught in schools and the workplace just as physical health. Educating

the public will increase the likelihood of those who suffer from mental illness to get help.
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References

Choudhry, Fahad Riaz, et al. “Beliefs and Perception about Mental Health Issues: a Meta-

Synthesis.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Dove Medical Press, 31 Oct. 2016,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5096745/.

“Federal Budget 101.” National Priorities Project,

www.nationalpriorities.org/campaigns/federal-budget-101/?

gclid=CjwKEAiArvTFBRCLq5-7-

MSJ0jMSJABHBvp0PDaOnjXdYPfp_Yl8l6FmcX04RUB6xXaTbWHMqFmI9BoCGY_

w_wcB.

“History of Mental Illness.” Noba, nobaproject.com/modules/history-of-mental-illness.

Jeavans, Clara Guibourg & Christine. “In Charts: Report into Children's Mental Health.” BBC

News, BBC, 22 Nov. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/health-46306241.

“Mental Health by Numbers.” NAMI, www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbers.

Paediatric Society. “Mental Health Promotion.” Caring for Kids New to Canada,

www.kidsnewtocanada.ca/mental-health/mental-health-promotion.

Trautmann, Sebastian, et al. “The Economic Costs of Mental Disorders: Do Our Societies React

Appropriately to the Burden of Mental Disorders?” EMBO Reports, John Wiley and Sons

Inc., Sept. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5007565/.