Suicide is an unfortunate and not-uncommon outcome for patients with serious mental illness. Mental health professional aim to reduce suicide risk in their patient population. Societal stigma makes this goal more difficult. Ignorance of the prevalence and course of mental illnesses can be addressed through education and frank discussion, and this can help mitigate stigma. From schizophrenia, to OCD, to bipolar disorder, there are many mental illnesses that individuals may be grappling with in any given community. Clinicians and allied health care workers who have had mental health continuing education courses can more readily identify the signs of mental illness and can extend their helping hand to people in need. When patients with mental illness are engaged in care, their chances of recovery and improved function increase.
Risk Factors Involved in Deteriorating Mental Health
The causes of mental illness are multigenic and multifactorial. Genetics isn’t the only factor. A person’s environment can contribute to risk as well. Risk factors for mental illness include:
- Societal shame or stigma reducing a sense of belonging
- Low frustration tolerance
- Losing a loved one suddenly
- Prolonged verbal or physical assault or abuse
- Unstable relationships
Some people who are struggling with mental health issues may have trouble communicating their feelings or needs, and this can worsen suffering and symptoms. Professionals who take mental health continuing education from Symptom Media may be better prepared to recognize disorders and may be better able to provide or refer patients for appropriate treatment options.
Some Key Statistics
- Approximately 25% of Americans struggle with mental illnesses each year.
- Nearly 10% of people in the US battle with a depressive episode at least once in their lifetime.
- Around 18% of Americans between the age of 18-54 suffer from anxiety or panic attacks.
How Can Online Continuing Education Help People In Need?
Continuing education courses can help professionals close knowledge gaps related to mental health and mental illness.
- Continuing education enables the professional to recognize symptoms they might otherwise have missed
- Staying up to date with current trends in mental health topics helps to improve patient care
Symptom’s Media Online Courses In the USA Cover A Vast Array Of Material
We have many mental health continuing education courses which will help to help boost one’s knowledge and skills. The CE courses available are part of a comprehensive library of mental health topics. Subscribe online now or request a demo!
Written by Stephanie Arnold, MSN, Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
References
1. Mental illness statistics
