Rising diseases of despair
The term "diseases of despair" encompasses conditions such as substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior, which are closely linked to social determinants of health as well as adverse childhood experiences.
The increasing impact on children and adolescents
While traditionally associated with adults, we have increasingly seen the impact on children and adolescents exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, current economic pressures, and humanitarian crises across the globe.
The isolation, disrupted routines, and family stress in the aftermath of the pandemic have heightened anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders among the young. Additionally, we have seen intensified substance use as a coping mechanism, with a concerning rise in suicidal ideation and self-harm. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, and 33.5% of US adults with mental illness—19.4 million individuals—also experienced a substance use disorder in 2021.
Addressing mental well-being in the workplace
The rise in diseases of despair has also manifested in the workplace, with increased burnout and stress affecting employees’ mental health. Employers are responding by fostering a supportive work culture that prioritizes mental well-being with an increased focus on work-life balance by providing access to employee support services. We’re seeing this issue magnified in the healthcare industry with widespread clinician burnout and an alarming increase in suicides, but recent nursing workforce trends are beginning to gain traction by supporting talent across the field.
Innovation and technology are set to transform mental healthcare
Inadequate mental health coverage, outdated infrastructure, and the lack of available services and providers have severely restricted access to care, with more than half (54.7%) of adults with a mental illness unable to receive treatment. Recently, though, we have seen some areas of hope, particularly related to the integration of services and technology. By providing integrated mental health services at the same time and place as primary care, depression scores have shown to decrease, and patient and physician experiences have improved.
AI stands at the forefront of innovation in predicting and managing these conditions. By analyzing vast datasets, AI can identify patterns and risk factors that may not be apparent to humans, allowing for early detection and personalized intervention strategies. For instance, AI can predict which individuals may benefit from specific resources or therapeutic approaches based on their unique profiles. In the workplace, AI can monitor employee engagement and productivity metrics to recommend proactive wellness checks. This technology serves as a vital tool in crafting preventive measures, tailoring educational content, and developing targeted public health campaigns that address the underlying causes of despair.Furthermore, telehealth services, online counseling, and mobile health interventions have become vital in extending care to traditionally underserved populations. However, it's crucial to ensure that these technological solutions are both accessible and equitable.
Slalom contributors: Mel Donatelli, Marie Svendson
Researchers have identified a cohesive phenomenon in the rising prevalence of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attributable to a progressive erosion of social relationships, networks, institutions, communities, and economic mobility.
Almost half of Americans live in federally designated mental health workforce shortage areas, and 54.7% of adults with a mental illness were unable to seek care.
It’s estimated that of the 10–14% of patients visiting a primary care doctor have major depressive disorders, and of these patients, 50% go undetected in primary care. The primary care visit is often very short and focused, as well as coded a certain way, not allowing providers or patients time to explore and discuss their mental health.
Only 23% of Americans say they attend religious services at least once a week, down from 35% in the early 1990s. At the same time, research in the field of “Spirituality and Health” has been growing, with a positive correlation between spirituality and religion and overall mental health. As religiosity declines, a more inclusive spirituality framework leading to the “development of values and positive inner feelings” can help HCP provide holistic care.
