The First Of Your Two Written Assignments For The Course ✓ Solved

The first of your two written assignments for the course will

The first of your two written assignments for the course will provide a beginning framework that you will utilize in the development of your Final Project: a proposal for a community-based program in your area. For this first written assignment, you will select one of the vulnerable groups identified in the text that will serve as your target population of interest throughout the duration of your next written assignment and Final Project. Select one among the following groups from Chapter 1: Vulnerable mothers and children, abused individuals, chronically ill and disabled people, people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, people diagnosed with mental conditions, suicide- and homicide-liable people, people affected by alcohol and substance abuse, indigent and homeless people, immigrants and refugees, or groups for special consideration (you may propose a different vulnerable population at the consent of the instructor).

Once you have selected a group of interest, write a three-page paper that covers the following: discuss the impact that at least two of the factors below have on the vulnerability of your chosen group: age, gender, culture/ethnicity, income. Analyze the intersection of social, political, and economic factors affecting vulnerability (must address all three factors).

Draft the design of a new model program, not currently existent within your community. Provide a two- to three-paragraph statement that introduces your proposed community program. This section is tentative and might change as you conduct more research. At a minimum, however, items to address should include: an explanation of the issues and risk factors experienced by the selected population; an evaluation of the health needs of the group and a proposed continuum of care level (preventive, treatment, or long-term care) based on the group’s issues, risk factors, and needs; justify the proposed level with supportive research/evidence; and a description of one to two proposed services your program will include.

Your assignment should be a minimum of three pages in length (excluding title and reference pages) and should include a minimum of three scholarly sources cited according to APA guidelines as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

In today's society, numerous vulnerable groups face unique challenges that contribute to their marginalization. One such group is people diagnosed with mental conditions, often grappling with societal stigma, inadequate access to healthcare, and a pronounced lack of support systems. This paper aims to explore the impact of age and income on this group's vulnerability, analyze the intersection of social, political, and economic factors contributing to their situation, and propose a community-based program designed to address their specific needs.

Impact of Age and Income on Vulnerability

The intersection of age and income significantly affects the vulnerability of individuals diagnosed with mental conditions. Firstly, age plays a critical role in mental health dynamics, with younger individuals often facing heightened vulnerability due to peer pressure, identity crises, and academic pressures. Physical and mental development during adolescence and early adulthood can lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels. Research indicates that younger adults with mental health issues are less likely to seek help due to fear of judgment, resulting in prolonged suffering (Mclaughlin et al., 2019).

On the other hand, income is a pivotal determinant of access to mental health services. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds often experience heightened stressors related to financial insecurity, which can exacerbate mental health conditions. They may find themselves unable to afford necessary treatments, medications, or even basic healthcare, creating a vicious cycle where untreated mental health issues lead to inefficiencies in one's ability to work or pursue educational opportunities. A study by Sinha and Sharma (2020) demonstrates that economic constraints correlate with poorer mental health outcomes, highlighting a critical area that must be addressed to improve the lives of those at risk.

Intersection of Social, Political, and Economic Factors

The vulnerability of people diagnosed with mental conditions is further exacerbated by social, political, and economic factors. Social stigma surrounding mental illness often leads to isolation, discrimination, and inadequate support from family and friends (Corrigan, 2004). As a result, these individuals may feel ostracized and less likely to seek help. Moreover, systemic political attitudes can contribute to the disparities in mental health service provision. Policies may inadvertently favor more affluent populations while sidelining the needs of vulnerable groups. The lack of comprehensive mental health legislation fails to protect individuals suffering from mental conditions, leaving them without sufficient resources or advocacy (Bhugra et al., 2018).

Economically, the health care system often neglects mental health parity, leading to inadequate insurance coverage and limited access to services (Buchsbaum et al., 2020). Insufficient funding for community mental health programs results in a lack of resources for individuals requiring treatment and preventative care. The intersection of these three factors significantly compounds the vulnerabilities faced by people with mental health conditions, requiring a robust response to address their needs effectively.

Proposed Community Program

To address the multifaceted issues facing people diagnosed with mental conditions, I propose the creation of a community-based program entitled “MindBridge: A Mental Wellness Initiative”. This program aims to bridge the gap between mental health services and vulnerable communities by providing comprehensive, culturally-sensitive, and accessible mental health resources for individuals in need.

One of the primary issues faced by individuals in this population is the stigma associated with mental health, which often leads to missed opportunities for treatment and ongoing support. The program will focus on raising awareness about mental health through community outreach initiatives aimed at reducing stigma. The services offered will include support groups, educational workshops, and one-on-one counseling sessions, which will be facilitated by trained professionals who understand the unique experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, these services will be free to low-income participants, ensuring that finances do not inhibit access to necessary care.

In terms of health needs, the “MindBridge” program will follow a continuum of care model, focusing on preventive strategies, treatment options, and long-term support. Preventive care will include workshops to enhance coping mechanisms and resilience in dealing with everyday stressors. Treatment options will encompass counseling services and medication management for those diagnosed with mental conditions. Long-term support will be provided through follow-up services and ongoing community engagement to ensure individuals maintain their mental health and are connected to support networks (Kessler et al., 2005).

Conclusion

The proposed “MindBridge: A Mental Wellness Initiative” serves as a vital step toward creating an inclusive community equipped to support individuals diagnosed with mental conditions. By addressing the essential risk factors of age and income, along with the social, political, and economic dynamics affecting this vulnerable population, the program is designed to enhance access to mental health services and foster a more resilient and supportive environment. Through the implementation of strategic services and a commitment to reducing stigma, this initiative promises to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

References

  • Bhugra, D., Mastrogianni, A., & Bhugra, C. (2018). The evolution of mental health policy: A worldwide perspective. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 64(7), 673-685.
  • Buchsbaum, M. S., & Schwartz, A. C. (2020). Disparities in mental health access: Policy implications for mental health care. American Journal of Public Health, 110(2), 200-204.
  • Corrigan, P. W. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. American Psychologist, 59(7), 614-625.
  • Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., et al. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
  • Mclaughlin, K. A., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Hilt, L. M. (2019). Gender differences in depression. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(1), 10-14.
  • Sinha, S. K., & Sharma, H. (2020). Economic burden of mental disorders in low-income countries. Global Health Action, 13(1), 1803480.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2019). Mental health services: A national survey. SAMHSA Publications.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Mental health: Strengthening our response. WHO Publications.
  • Han, H. R., & Kim, I. H. (2021). Barriers to mental health treatment among immigrants. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 27(3), 322-331.
  • Phelan, J. C., & Link, B. G. (2020). Is stigma a fundamental cause of social inequalities in health? Social Science & Medicine, 199, 12-20.

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