Obtaining mental health services is often a struggle, especially when socio-economic and cultural factors influence how mental health is perceived. As Jorney Baldwin, a Communications and Mental Health Advocate, explains, many cultures misunderstand or overlook what constitutes a mental health issue. In some cultures, there is the belief that only severe cases, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, qualify as mental health concerns. However, common experiences such as stress, anxiety, and depression are also part of the mental health spectrum and should not be ignored.
In many societies transitioning from traditional practices to modern ideologies, mental health could be shrouded in stigma. People fail to recognize the connections between their emotional health and the external factors influencing them, such as stress from work, lack of support from family, and poor nutrition. Miss Baldwin emphasizes that addressing these factors especially for women, children, and girls is critical, as the absence of support can significantly affect their mental health and overall well-being.
Addressing Socio-Economic Barriers to Mental Health Care
One of the key issues Ms Baldwin highlights is the role of socio-economic status in accessing mental health care. Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds often face greater challenges in accessing affordable mental health services, which worsens their struggles. To create a healthier society, there is an urgent need for increased awareness of mental health, alongside accessible and affordable services for all individuals, particularly women and children.
The Relevance of this Year’s Theme
The 2024 theme, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, could not have come at a better time. During the National Quality Forum in Ghana, which focused on Ghana’s Healthcare Quality Strategy and efforts towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, Ms. Baldwin participated in discussions around healthcare services, equity, and patient involvement. She reflected on how communication barriers in health care often prevent individuals from advocating for themselves, particularly in mental health matters.
The discussion around healthcare professionals’ well-being resonated strongly with her, especially in light of burnout, a prevalent issue in Ghana. Baldwin noted that healthcare professionals responsible for their patients’ well-being also face high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion. This burnout is a critical issue that needs to be addressed, especially given the high demand for mental health services in resource-constrained settings like Ghana.
Mental Health Care in Different Contexts
Ms. Baldwin’s experience working with Native American Indigenous communities and her insights from Ghana reveal similarities in the mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities globally. Stigma and systemic neglect often prevent people from seeking help. In some cultures, faith-based practices and therapies are preferred over medical care, further complicating efforts to provide accessible mental health care.
Recommendations for Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health must be integrated into workplace policies and practices to create a healthy work environment. Ms. Baldwin offers key recommendations for addressing mental health in the workplace:
- Raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma is critical. Employees should feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment.
- Providing employees with access to mental health resources, such as counseling services, support groups, and wellness programs, is essential.
- Implement policies that promote mental health, including flexible working hours, mental health days, and accommodations for those with mental health challenges.
- A supportive workplace culture that values mental health is crucial. Open communication and empathy can foster a community where employees thrive.
Global Commemoration of World Mental Health Day
October 10 is a day set aside for the global commemoration of Mental Health Day, which is a crucial day to reflect on the significance of mental well-being in our increasingly complex world. This year’s theme, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, aligns perfectly with the current mental health challenges faced globally, especially in work environments. World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for people to unite in raising awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that promote mental health care for all.
PROFILE OF JORNEY BALDWIN
Jorney Baldwin is a Mental Health Advocate and Communications Professional with a passion for supporting diverse communities. She is an enrolled member of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw tribes in the United States, and her cultural background deeply influences her approach to mental health and well-being. Baldwin holds a BA in Public Relations and Family Human Services from the University of Oregon and is pursuing dual master’s degrees in Strategic Communications, and Couples and Family Therapy. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between mental health services and the communities that need them most, especially indigenous populations.
She serves as the Native American Outreach Specialist for the University of Oregon Health Services, where she connects indigenous students with vital mental health resources.
In 2024, Baldwin participated in the Media in Ghana internship program, where she contributed to the communications efforts at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the Mental Health Authority in Ghana, and the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights. Through her work, Baldwin remains committed to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering open conversations about well-being within diverse cultural contexts.
