(Newswire.net — November 28, 2020) — This year has been particularly challenging for all of us, but there’s one good thing that has come from it, it’s that we have learned how to be more open about and responsive to mental health issues in our lives. Whether it’s listening to a friend who has been struggling with a long quarantine alone, or realizing that it is time to seek some help ourselves, many of us have seen the vague concept of “mental health” come into sharp focus during the pandemic. If you have been thinking about a new avenue of medicine to pursue, or looking for a way to support the most vulnerable in your community, mental health is one of the most important issues facing our society today.
The Mental Health Market Needs More Dedicated Staff
We’ve also been shown just how seriously the area is in need of help. In the United States, only 43% of adults with mental illness receive treatment every year, and only 51% of young adults with a mental health condition. Given that 20% of adults and around 50% of adolescents suffer from mental health issues, the number of people going without treatment who sorely need it is deeply disturbing. When left untreated, these issues can grow more severe and lead to illnesses that are progressively harder to treat, and to substance addiction issues. With so much discussion in the news about how we all need to do more to help those with mental health issues, one thing that is really needed is more people on the front lines.
There Are Many Education Options Available
The idea of training in a new area can feel pretty intimidating, especially in an area as broad as mental health. However, for each specific focus that you might be interested in, you will find that there are training and education options that will meet your needs. If you’re a nurse interested in becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Wilkes University offers a PMHNP track that will teach everything from completing mental health assessments to prescribing the medications used in treatment. It might seem like a big leap but the support is there to help you on the way to your new career in mental health work.
You Can Help Your Community
The pandemic has affected everyone in very different ways, but, as you would expect, the most vulnerable have felt the impact the most. As cities all over the world locked down and stayed indoors, many of those in need of help were left behind. There’s going to be a huge amount of work to do ensuring that people suffering from mental health issues who may be homeless, suffering from substance addiction problems, or serious mental illness can get back to the support structures they relied on before Coronavirus introduced its brand of disruption. There are certifications and degree programs available for those looking to work in social mental health care, and if you are looking for a way to give back to your community in the wake of the virus, have a look online for social support and care in your area to see how you can help.