Mental Health in Rural Communities: Understanding Barriers and Finding Solutions

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There can be both advantages and limitations of living life in a rural community. The advantages may include being connected with nature, staying distant from the city life’s hustle and bustle, the disadvantages can include reduced access to mental health care. In metropolitan cities, due to increased awareness people can be more comfortable in reaching out for professional mental health support. In rural communities, while individuals may experience symptoms of mental health disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder and Schizophrenia, they may not be fully aware of the treatment options.

The lack of proper resources can lead to deterioration of one’s overall health. This can be a risk for oneself and others as well. Thus, efforts need to be made to make mental health in rural communities accessible and affordable.

The State of Mental Health in Rural Communities

Different rural communities may have different beliefs and emotions towards mental health services. Proper awareness can help in educating the people about mental health, its importance and coping strategies.

Why Rural Mental Health Deserves Attention

1. Many studies indicate the number of people diagnosed or showing signs of mental health disorders in rural communities.

2. Death by suicide is common in rural communities; thus, we can imagine the distress people may be experiencing there.

3. Mental health disorders can happen to anyone – a rural or urban community is not a specific criterion, and therefore, mental health care should also be available to everyone.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Rural Areas

Some common mental health conditions that might be observed in rural areas include:

1. Addiction-related concerns

2. Post-traumatic stress disorder

3. Schizophrenia

4. Mood disorders

5. Neurodevelopmental conditions

Major Barriers to Mental Health Care in Rural Areas

There are a lot of barriers that make it challenging for individuals living in rural areas to access mental health services. Some of these barriers have been briefly explained below.

Limited Access to Professionals and Facilities

1. Lack of mental health professionals in rural settings

2. Decreased awareness about mental health disorders

3. Facilities may be very distant, making it challenging to reach out

Stigma and Cultural Misconceptions

1. The communities may have stigma associated with seeking professional mental health support

2. There might also be misconceptions, such as seeking mental health services is a sign of weakness

3. Certain cultures may encourage home remedies or alternative options instead of formal diagnosis and treatment

Financial and Insurance Barriers

1. If someone is struggling to make ends meet, then seeking mental health services may feel very challenging

2. Individuals may not be fully aware of the provisions offered by the Government regarding financial assistance and mental health services

3. Lack of understanding about pro-bono options, sliding scales and insurance coverage can also be a barrier towards seeking mental health care

The Role of Society and Environment

As a part of society, it becomes our responsibility to uplift others. To engage in uplifting others, one should also be aware of the different provisions the Government offers with regard to mental health services, the importance of mental health treatment, etc, so that mental health advocacy can be done in a suitable way.

Impact of Isolation and Loneliness

People can work towards:

1. Building togetherness

2. Sharing resources

3. Reducing loneliness

Family and Community Dynamics

1. Family counselling sessions are a way to improve interpersonal relations and family dynamics

2. Individual counselling sessions can also contribute towards improving emotional awareness

Consequences of Neglecting Rural Mental Health

Neglecting rural mental health can have severe consequences for society as a whole. A few of the dire consequences of not paying for mental health services in rural parts are mentioned below:

1. Increased suicide rate due to extreme stress, traumatic instances and being unable to cope on one’s own

2. Substance and drug addiction can also lead to increased chances of domestic violence

3. Intergenerational trauma for the younger generation as they witness violence at home while growing up

4. Financial crisis, especially if the primary earner is experiencing emotional difficulty

Promising Solutions to Improve Mental Health Access

There are increased efforts to improve mental health primary care. This is because of more awareness, research and advancements in technology. Some of the efforts to improve mental health access have been listed below.

Expanding Telehealth and Digital Counseling

The Internet and mobile phones have together made tele-counselling possible. Tele mental health can involve offering individual sessions, family counselling and support groups through online mediums. As a consequence of COVID-19, many professionals offered sessions online, making mental health services easily accessible from the comfort of one’s home.

Training Local Health Workers

Primary care workers such as doctors, general physicians, etc, may be the first whom people reach out to during health difficulties. Training healthcare workers about the basics of mental wellness and its impact on daily functioning can strengthen the referral system.

Workshops and Outreach Programs

Even a one-day workshop on mental health awareness can leave a lasting impact on the perspective towards mental health. Outreach programs and seminars can help in connecting with people and resolving their queries at the ground level.

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

It is essential to increase mental health advocacy and break the stigma surrounding mental health. The beliefs that are stopping people from seeking professional support and might be causing more harm need to be changed for the betterment of society.

Encouraging Open Conversations

1. Honest check-ins with each other are helpful to learn more about emotional wellness and offer support

2. Sharing referrals for trusted psychiatrists, psychologists, etc, can enable others to find suitable mental health support

3. Being transparent about one’s mental health journey can empower others to step on the recovery journey as well

Education and Awareness Campaigns

1. Campaigns and seminars can be conducted offline to meet people and understand their needs

2. Online workshops can also help connect people from different parts of the country and learn more about each other

3. Mental health practitioners speaking with the members of the rural community and resolving their queries can be a stepping stone

Strengthening Rural Health Infrastructure

1. Making the healthcare system more affordable and accessible in rural communities

2. Primary care should not feel like a far-fetched dream to rural community members

3. Offering hygienic and safe primary care intervention, including mental health support

The Role of Technology in Rural Mental Health

Technology can play a pivotal role in shaping the mental health services in today’s time. The same goes for rural communities wherein mental health awareness sis gradually increasing.

Teletherapy Platforms and Mobile Apps

-  People can seek support through online counselling platforms

-  Tele mental health is becoming increasingly popular

-   Mindful usage of online platforms is necessary to ensure data security

Digital Literacy and Access Challenges

-  Online resources are available for improving mental health awareness; however, people may not know how to access the same

-   Mental health advocates can teach about accessing safe and supportive resources freely available online for improving mental health

Conclusion

Athena Behavioral Health began with the aspiration to increase mental health awareness across India and support all those who want to improve their mental health. We offer support for people of different age groups for diverse concerns such as mood disorders, addiction-related issues and anxiety.

You can contact us today by calling us at +91 9289086193, and we shall try our best to assist you in your wellness journey!