Introduction
Physical diseases and ailments can be treated through tangible means only, but things are different when it comes to mental health. Apart from medication mental health requires therapy and other support systems for recovery. Mental patients cannot be treated at regular hospitals. They require special care that is only provided by the special mental health department, which can be within a hospital or set up as separate mental hospitals. Mental health is handled by special doctors called psychologists of psychiatrist. Mental health patients in addition to their ailment have to face the social stigma. Anyone who is struggling with mental issues is mostly considered to be “cuckoo”. To counter this issue the mental health department and the United States government have tried their best to promote awareness of several mental health issues that are prevalent in the United States; they are also educating the masses about how to achieve mental fitness.
History
Mental health problems are not new; they have been in existence forever. In ancient times, due to lack of awareness and knowledge, people with mental disorders and mental health issues were deemed either possessed by devils or demons. With advancement in medical science things started to change. People recognized mental disorders for what they really were – mental health issues. The first Mental hospital in the United States was built in the year 1773. From here onwards many mental health department were established which offered complete services to mental patients. From specialized doctors to mental health specific medication and treatment, mental health departments took every measure to help the mentally ill. In 1965 an Act was passed in the United States as a result of which mental health departments and hospitals were heavily funded. This allowed them to provide complete and proper services to all the patients suffering with mental health problems.
Features
A Mental Health Department provides a number of services to the patients. It carries out complete assessment of a patient’s mental health state. After analysis and diagnosis a complete treatment plan is devised. The plan determines which services are to be provided to the patients. Independent mental health departments within organizations are also being set up. For example a Mental Health Department within the US Army plays a key role in the rehabilitation of soldiers that are stationed at war zones like Afghanistan and Iraq. Mental health departments are in almost every organization where stress and frustration go hand in hand with the work the organization is involved in. Multinational organizations have their own psychologists for their employees to help them allay their tensions and frustrations that they may feel at home or at work in order to increase the employees’ output and performance. Mental health is vital for any nation to prevail. Most countries have national institutions that are technically responsible in not only helping and monitoring the mental health care but also in evaluating and addressing the reasons for gloom or joy among the public.
Tips and comments
Mental Health Department has become a necessity. They play a major role in determining and improving the mental health of individuals. It is essential that these departments are given more and more funds so they can improve their services and facilities.
