Healing Communities from the Inside Out: A Wellness First Approach to Community Mental Health

Abstract

Background/Context: Despite the fact that almost 50% of all Americans will develop some form mental illness or disorder during their lifetimes, the dominant view of mental health is that it is an individual’s own concern and that “most people” with mental health conditions can get better on their own. This perception of the continuum of mental health can overemphasize treatment rather than promote a focus on prevention – not just prevention for individuals, but for whole communities. The rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use are increasing. These behavioral health conditions impact physical health, and are associated with chronic diseases. To save lives and create the healthiest nation, there is a need to take an ecological and public health approach to mental health and engage in preventive measures and interventions on a community level, addressing issues like adverse community experiences, toxic stress, and traumatic events. Description: This presentation will introduce a “Wellness First Approach,” which posits that improvements in health can be accomplished by uncovering strengths and resiliencies in communities, investing in human capital, and supporting social capital, with well-being and whole health as the cornerstone of the approach to guide activities for improving social determinants. Lessons Learned: Throughout the U.S., more than 4,000 individuals with serious mental illness are in solitary confinement. More than 60% of women who are incarcerated report a history of mental health concerns. Up to 74% of Black men exposed to traumatic events may have an unmet need for mental health services. The dominant approach to addressing mental health is not effective. There are frameworks that exist – some discussed in this presentation – that lend themselves to a Wellness First Approach and offer a whole community approach to improving outcomes. It is necessary for the field to move in the direction of these practices. Recommendations/Implications: Improving mental health outcomes requires a community-centered approach. There is an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration to apply a Wellness First Approach to efforts designed to improve mental health and well-being. Mental health and public health researchers can investigate to greater depths the outcomes associated with community-level prevention and intervention frameworks.