Has Society influenced Mental Illness in Today's World?

Lake, James, and Mason Turner. "Urgent Need for Improved Mental Health Care and a More Collaborative Model of Care." The Permanente Journal, vol. 21, no. 2017, 2017, pp. 17-24.

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In this article, published in The Permanente Journal in 2017, Lakes and Turner argue that the problem of mental health has become even complex in today's society and, therefore, quick-fix solutions cannot address the issue as it should be expected. The researchers conclude that mental health as of today has several dimensions, including biological, cultural, social and spiritual aspects. The position of the scholars informs their recommendation that a model that challenges of modern society as it relates to the listed factors is the best for solving the mental health problem in the United States and other parts of the world.

The article is useful in the study in the sense that it highlights the fundamental factors that create an enabling environment for the development of mental problems. This is critical as it will help to make sense of the mental health issues affecting various people. Although it is a compelling piece, the article does not offer empirical evidence to support the positions held by the authors. Although Lake is an accomplished psychiatrist and Turner is a clinical professor, their article can only be interpreted as an opinion. Additionally, the list of causal factors is not exhaustive and the listed elements are broad categories that trigger mental health issues.

Guney, Sevgi, et al. "Dimensions of Mental Health: Life Satisfaction, Anxiety and Depression: A Preventive Mental Health Study in Ankara University Students Population." Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 2, no. 2, 2010, pp. 1210-1213.

The study explores the various ways that mental health is manifested in affected individuals. According to Guney et al., life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression are some of the leading factors affecting mental health. The researchers involved a sample of 364 students at a university in Ankara. The participants were asked to complete questionnaires based on the three variables. The study finds that there is a significant negative correlation between the level of satisfaction and anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.

The research is vital for the research in that it helps to identify the parameters that can be used to determine whether a given individual is experiencing mental health challenges. Depression, hopelessness, and anxiety have long been associated with mental health problems. Guney et al., provide an insight into some of the psychological conditions that can predispose people to mental health problems thereby expanding the classification given by Lake and Turner in the preceding discussion. However, since the study was conducted on a population outside the United States, it may not provide a clear picture of the American society as the culture can have a say on how people react to distressful issues in life.

Grinde, Bjorn, and Kristian Tambs. "Effect of Household Size on Mental Problems in Children: Results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study." BMC Psychology, vol. 4, no. 31, 2016, pp. 1-11.

In the article, the authors seek to find out how family size affects the mental health of children. In the cohort study, Bjorn and Tambs recruited mothers during pregnancy and followed the children from infancy to 8 years while examination the size of the family living with these children. The findings of the study revealed that children who lived in a large family household experienced fewer health problems.

The size of the family is a critical demographic issue in today's society. Family size is shrinking among Americans though this may vary from one ethnic group to another. The study is, therefore, relevant in studying mental health as it highlights a trend that has become common with current generations. Specifically, it provides information on how living in social isolation can contribute to the development of mental health, and this has become a problem as the family size continues to shrink. However, the research was done outside the US, implying a variation in culture which can have an implication on the mental health outcomes of Americans.

Primack, Brian A., et al. "Use of Multiple Social Media Platforms and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Nationally-representative Study among U.S. Young Adults." Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 69, no. 2017, 2017, pp. 1-9.

The article explores the use of social media and mental illness. Primack et al. sought to investigate the impact of using multiple social media platforms on the expressions of anxiety and depression. The study found that young adults who used more than multiple social platforms experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Specifically, the research established that anxiety and depression increase with an increase in the use of many social media platforms and vice versa.

During the study, the article by Primack et al. will be helpful in defining the role of technology in the increase in cases of mental illness. Technology is an emerging issue regarding to its role in creating psychosocial environment that exposes people to anxiety and depression. How it affects young people is of great importance. The strength in the study is that it utilizes a national sample which can enable the researcher to make general conclusions about the US population. The article will help in answering the question as to whether technological innovations such as social media have contributed to increased cases of people with mental health issues.

Seabrook, Elizabeth M., et al. "Social Networking Sites, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review." JMIR Mental Health, vol. 3, no. 4, 2016, p. e50.

In this article, Seabrook et al. examine the relationship between social media use and anxiety and depressions. The study specifically looked at how social networking sites impacted on individuals' mental health. The variables considered in the study were anxiety and depression. Regarding methodology, Seabrook et al. employ systematic review whereby they analyzed studies that have been conducted on the impact of social networking on mental health. The findings from the research revealed mixed effects of social networking sites on the users. Therefore, the researchers did not take sides on the impact of technological tools such as social media sites on mental health.

The inclusion of the study of Seabrook et al. in the project is crucial as it offers a neutral observation on the impact of technology, especially social media, on the mental health of the users. The study concludes that social networking can be either detrimental or beneficial to the users. The conclusions of Seabrook et al. contradicts those of Primack et al. who found that increased social media presence resulted in a corresponding increase in the level of anxiety and depression among users. The findings broaden the understanding of the topic which will, in turn, improve the quality of the research that is being undertaken.

Berry, Helen L., et al. "Climate Change and Mental Health: A Causal Pathways Framework." International Journal of Public Health, vol. 55, no. 2, 2010, pp. 123-132.

The source deals with the role of climate on mental health. Berry et al. sought to find out whether a change in weather patterns is likely to impact on mental health. The primary focus for the researchers was the impact of acute weather events on people's mental wellbeing. They present statistics and findings from research that has been done before and conclusions are drawn based on the findings of the reviewed articles. The conclusion that is drawn from the study is that, although this is an area that research has relieved much attention from scholars, climate change harms human mental health. The researchers further observed that climate change might expose victims to trauma. Besides, people may be affected indirectly in the form of a negative impact on the physical health of people and communities.

The study delves into an important issue affecting the world today. Climate change has changed the lives of people in many ways. The article is essential in doing the study because it focuses on how the physical environment affects mental health. However, the conclusions of Berry et al. are not based on an empirical study. As such, it does not offer new insights into the role of climate in human mental health.

Works Cited

Berry, Helen L., et al. "Climate Change and Mental Health: A Causal Pathways Framework." International Journal of Public Health, vol. 55, no. 2, 2010, pp. 123-132. Doi 10.1007/s00038-009-0112-0

Grinde, Bjorn, and Kristian Tambs. "Effect of Household Size on Mental Problems in Children: Results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study." BMC Psychology, vol. 4, no. 31, 2016, pp. 1-11. DOI 10.1186/s40359-016-0136-1

Guney, Sevgi, et al. "Dimensions of Mental Health: Life Satisfaction, Anxiety and Depression: A Preventive Mental Health Study in Ankara University Students Population." Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 2, no. 2, 2010, pp. 1210-1213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.174

Lake, James, and Mason Turner. "Urgent Need for Improved Mental Health Care and a More Collaborative Model of Care." The Permanente Journal, vol. 21, no. 2017, 2017, pp. 17-24. https://dx.doi.org/10.7812%2FTPP%2F17-024

Primack, Brian A., et al. "Use of Multiple Social Media Platforms and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Nationally-representative Study among U.S. Young Adults." Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 69, no. 2017, 2017, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.11.013

Seabrook, Elizabeth M., et al. "Social Networking Sites, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review." JMIR Mental Health, vol. 3, no. 4, 2016, p. e50. https://dx.doi.org/10.2196%2Fmental.5842