Navigating Social Determinants: Paving the Path to Mental Wellness

By Shannon Bussnick, LSW

Today. we pose a question that is both challenging and necessary:

Why do some of us maintain good—adequate even—mental and physical health while others seem to struggle against the odds?

Let’s talk about it.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there’s a big, fancy term for these differences: “Social Determinants of Health (SDH),” essentially non-medical factors that shape our health outcomes.

Think of where you live, what you earn, and the opportunities available to you – these factors can either be a boost or a barrier to your well-being.

And here’s the thing: it’s not just about personal choices. The conditions of our communities, the quality of our education, and the availability of healthcare all play a crucial role.

These elements can foster a social gradient, where lower socioeconomic status typically hinders the health of residents in such areas. In essence, less wealth often results in less health—a challenging truth that necessitates change.

So, what can we do about it?

• Educate and Advocate: We need to spread the word about SDH and how they impact our lives. All of our lives. Knowledge is power, after all. Talk to your family, friends, professors, and co-workers. If the message falls short, try and try again. Get involved – every step is a step forward.

• Create Opportunities: We need to bridge the gap. That means improving living conditions, providing job opportunities, and ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities like food and shelter. It’s more than troubling, to say the least, that this is still a topic of discussion; still, we must refuse this to be a standard way of living.

• Challenge the Status Quo: We must challenge unfair distributions of power, resources, and money. Let’s make things fairer for everyone. If we don’t challenge our reality we are only responsible for staying where we are.

And a crucial area to discuss: mental health.

Too often, mental health concerns take a backseat because they’re not immediately visible. But they matter, and they affect every part of our lives.

Imagine not being able to access help because you’re dealing with racial injustices or struggling to balance work and family life. Mental health issues create a domino effect, impacting our self-esteem, personal relationships, employment, education, and even physical health.

But, how can we improve mental health outcomes?

• Educate and Eradicate Stigma: Let’s talk openly about mental health. Awareness reduces stigma and encourages people to seek help.

• Support Systems: Accessible mental health services, affordable child care, and safe housing are crucial. We need to make them available and easily accessible for everyone.

• Job Opportunities and Government Aid: Stable employment and government support can be game-changers. If enough of us speak up, it’s more likely we’ll be heard.

It’s not an easy journey, but it’s possible. And do I even need to say, worth it? Mandatory seems fitting.

By understanding these challenges and working together, we can dismantle societal obstacles and replace them with fairness, peace, and equality.

Join me in this conversation to discuss what further efforts we can make together. Let’s create a world where health isn’t determined by luck but by opportunity and compassion.

Vienna Lane

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