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Nicole Page

Michael Niccols

Senior Seminar

25 September 2019

Mental Health in the World

Among all ages and all genders, mental health is a heavy topic throughout the world. The

health poverty action website explained that as of July 2018 more than 300 million people or

4.4% of the population suffer from depression (Roberts). Even as this number increases, the

knowledge and acceptance of those with mental illnesses do not. In the global North, about 35-

50% of those with severe mental health disabilities do not receive treatment, while in the global

South this number increases to 76-85% (Roberts). Traditionally, there has been a stigma

surrounding mental health, amplified by the fact that many areas do not have the resources to

support those struggling. Low-income countries only have access to 49% of mental health

organizations in the world, while high-income countries only see an increase of 83%, which is

not nearly high enough resources. In some underdeveloped countries, the people most at risk for

mental health issues are women, impoverished individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers. It is

anticipated that more than 61% of refugees will experience a mental health crisis or break down.

(Roberts).

Mental illness can come from a variety of influences including many social, political, and

economic factors. More specifically, they can stem from social and economic disadvantages and

deprivation, low levels of education, unemployment or insecure employment, discrimination, and

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violence (Roberts). Several of these factors are typically uncontrollable, such as social or

economic status. No matter the reason for the mental illness, people need to be accepting and

patient with those who may be affected. If left untreated, mental illness can lead to problems

with alcohol and drug abuse or gender-based violence that results in consequences for the society

as a whole. People are not fully participating and doing their best to contribute to society when

they are under the influence of these substances. Therefore, this lack of participation spreads to

the organizations, funding, and educational events that go into mental health awareness that are

receiving a fraction of the funding that is donated to other diseases (Roberts). The Health Poverty

Action organization, a company of health workers, activists and communities across the globe to

improve health and challenge poverty, had their own experience working with indigenous Mam

communities in Guatemala to address violence towards women. This gender-based violence can

lead to mental health issues, so the HPA educated the community on the signs and stages of

depression and anxiety. To provide an even deeper understanding, the HPA equated mental

illnesses such as depression to a cultural experience called “soul loss”. “Soul Loss” is a term

coined by the indigenous people that comes from a traumatic experience to the mind and body

During this experience, we shut ourselves away and are not able to give our full potential to

society (“21 Signs You’re Experiencing ‘Soul Loss’*LonerWolf,” ). The women who suffered

from gender-based abuse were provided with access to a trained community counselor who was

able to communicate in their indigenous languages. In addition to working with members of the

Mam community, the HPA taught its employees/volunteers practical skills such as basic

listening techniques and stress relief tactics using medicinal plants. With these efforts,

Guatemala was able to make mental illness treatment more common throughout the country and
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provide a variety of resources to its people. Acting on these concepts is essential to positive

growth for mental health (Roberts).

In the Catholic Social Teaching principle, Life and Dignity of the Human Person, we are

reminded that our gift of life is sacred. We are worth so much and have so much to give to this

earth throughout our lifetime. God created each of us with a purpose to serve and wants us to see

that purpose all the way through. Deuteronomy Chapter 10 verse 17-19 states that God loves all

of us no matter what (New King James, Deut. 10:17-19). This can be the reassurance we need to

get through whatever battles we are facing because we know that someone loves us

unconditionally. In Romans chapter 12 verses 9-18 we hear that we must love one another and

contribute to what other people need (New King James, Romans 12:9-18). This can take many

forms, but when supporting those with mental health issues, their needs could simply be showing

them that you are a safe person to turn to when they need help. We should respect each other’s

lives as well as our own and strive to better ourselves (Seven Themes of Catholic Social

Teaching).

Mental illness and its advocacy can also connect to the principle of Call to Family and

Participation. We are social human beings who need human interaction to properly function. At

the same time, we are sacred and need to treat ourselves accordingly. We do not deserve to be

put down by others or ourselves. We work and go through so much on any given day that we

need to be proud of ourselves for the little victories. The different elements of our society that we

control, such as economics, politics, and law, can affect our human dignity and how we grow in

the community. If we isolate ourselves from others, we are losing out on the scientific benefits

that the socialization brings. Without this, we may not develop the necessary elements to cope

with ourselves or know when to turn to others for help. These interactions allow us to experience
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different social institutions that can give those struggling the support and strength that is needed

to get through difficult times. In Genesis chapter 2 verse 18, we hear that it is not good for man

to be alone (New King James, Genesis 2:18). There are many health benefits to social

interactions and people who do not experience social interactions can often experience elevated

instances of stress. This can negatively affect nearly every bodily system, including the brain.

The emotional support that these social interactions brings helps to reduce the effects of stress

and can create a better “sense of meaning and purpose in life”. Emma Seppala of the Stanford

Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education further explained this relationship

between social interactions and mental health; “People who feel more connected to others have

lower levels of anxiety and depression.” “… studies show they also have higher self-esteem,

greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are

more open to trusting and cooperating with them” (Brody, Jane E.). Emma Seppala elaborates on

the fact that these interactions that we so crave will indeed have a positive mental impact. These

elements will push us and can give us the incentive to work harder and be there for others, as

well as improving upon ourselves. Seppala went on to say “social connectedness generates a

positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical well-being” (Brody, Jane E.) Without

these interactions, we see an increase in reports of loneliness, isolation, and alienation, which

may be why loneliness has become a leading reason people seek psychological counseling.

The topic of mental illness is a major issue in today’s society. The numbers prove that at

our current rate, we are only making a minor impact in assisting and accepting those who are

suffering. Several other countries have started to accept those suffering more, turning away from

its previously negative connotation. In the Bible, we hear of a plethora of times how we must

love and support each other and ourselves. I believe these are the first steps in making this more
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“normal” and bringing more education to the topic. By utilizing the scientific background that

we have and virtues from Catholic Social teaching, we may be able to bring about more of a

change that has already been started.

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Works Cited

Brody, Jane E. “Social Interaction Is Critical for Mental Health and Physical Health.” The New

York Times, The New York Times, 12 June 2017,

http://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/well/live/having-friends-is-good-for-you.html.

By. “21 Signs You’re Experiencing ‘Soul Loss’*LonerWolf,” LonerWolf, 8 June 2019,

http://lonerwolf.com/soul-loss/.

Robert, Sorsha. “Mental Illness Is a Global Problem: We Need a Global Response: Health

Poverty Action.” Health Poverty Action Mental Illness Is a Global Problem We Need a

Global Response Comments, https://www.healthpovertyaction.org/news-events/mental-

health-world-health-day-2017/.

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-

we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching.cfm.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. Dallas, TX: Brown Books Publishing, 2004