Mental Health Support Workers play an important role in the lives of not just patients with mental health problems but the entire populace. Over the years, there has been an increasing demand for mental health support workers due to various societal changes such as the pandemic, family and general stress, and work-life balance changes.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is gone but a large percentage of the population still suffer anxiety, depression and post-traumatic experiences.
Who is a Mental Health Support Worker?
A mental health support worker is a person who provides physical, emotional and therapeutic support to individuals with mental health challenges. Mental health support workers not only tend to mental patients, they also help with managing conditions that could potentially lead to mental health issues.
Mental health support workers collaborate with other health practitioners, such as therapists and psychiatrists, to provide holistic care. However, their role is distinct. While therapists and psychiatrists focus on addressing the psychological and physiological needs of patients, mental health support workers concentrate on offering practical and emotional support.
They assist patients in navigating day-to-day challenges. They ensure they have the resources, coping strategies, and community connections necessary for recovery and well-being. Their focus is on supporting patients’ overall mental health journey. Mental health support workers also facilitate integration of mental health sufferers into daily life while complementing the work of clinical professionals.
Some of the responsibilities of mental health support workers include:
- Development of treatment plans
- Counselling
- Assessing client needs
- Maintaining client records
- Emotional support
- Assisting with domestic tasks
- Keep accurate patient records
- Lead therapy sessions
- Personal support
- Provide patient care and living assistance
The Growing Demand for Mental Health Support
It is estimated that from 2022 to 2032, employment for many mental health-related occupations is projected to grow faster than the 3-percent average for all occupations. This shows how much the demand for mental health support workers has become and will become in the future.
This is due to the rising mental health challenges experienced globally. These challenges include anxiety, depression, stress and addiction. In addition, There has been an increasing awareness of these challenges with many government and individual agencies advocating for more attention to the cause.
Expanding Role in Everyday Life
The job of mental health support workers has expanded beyond its original clinical focus. This is because of the high level of public awareness regarding the importance of early identification and care of mental health issues. Now you can find mental health support professionals in businesses, schools, and the general public.
This reflects the tremendous support and cooperation from several government and private organizations to ensure that they are included in the mental health awareness campaign. Nowadays, almost any environment can benefit from the services of mental health professionals.
Expanding Roles in Non-Clinical Settings
Let us take a closer look at the role of mental health support workers in non-clinical settings such as schools, workplaces and the community in general.
Schools
Mental health support workers play a significant role in educational settings. They use counselling and close observation to resolve behavioural issues. Through the provision of sufficient psychological and physical support, they act as a bridge between the community, the school, and the homes.
Mental health support personnel are able to recognise and handle any type of bullying, child abuse, or academic difficulties. In this approach, they help pupils succeed academically and socially.
Workplaces
Statistics show that there are more than 120,000 deaths caused by work stress every year, making it the 5th leading cause of death.
This is why mental health support should be incorporated as a part of every establishment. They have the responsibility of caring for the mental well-being of all employees. They implement mental health first aid programs and other interventions.
These interventions not only address mental health concerns but also enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Organizations benefit from reduced absenteeism and improved employee engagement.
Communities
Beyond institutional settings, mental health support workers also have a place in community health. They help provide resources as well as raise awareness on mental health. Their involvement ensures that individuals have access to necessary support systems.
Volunteer movements have also emerged, where trained community members deliver psychological interventions. This has helped in effectively addressing mental health care shortages, especially in low-resource settings.
The Rise of Remote Support and Telehealth Services
Technology has greatly changed how mental health care is delivered. Telehealth services have become a main way for many people to get mental health support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth for mental health services increased. Studies showed that over one-third of outpatient visits for depression and anxiety were done via telehealth. This trend has continued, with telehealth now making up 37% of mental health visits.
Telehealth offers many benefits, such as better accessibility, convenience, and less in-person contact. These benefits were especially important during the pandemic. However, challenges like digital literacy and access to technology still exist. It is important to continue working on improving digital equity so everyone can access telehealth services.
Collaboration with Other Sectors
Mental health support workers are working more with other sectors like law enforcement, social services, and education to provide better care.
In law enforcement, partnerships between police officers and mental health professionals have been very much helpful. It has helped de-escalate crises and connect people with the right care. This collaboration reduces the chances of people being sent to jail. It has also been effective in reducing in-jail crises among inmates.
In education, mental health coordinators play an important role in helping students with mental health concerns. They provide physical and emotional support, helping the students to cope with whatever problems they’re experiencing. This has reduced the number of suicide cases in schools owing to academic or family stress.
In social services, mental health support workers help people facing issues like poverty, homelessness, or trauma. They offer counseling, connect clients with resources, and fight for needed services. This includes independent support workers who help those with a disability to live a normal life.
Also, the many contributions of mental health support workers in senior retirement homes cannot be overlooked. They oversee the well-being of elderly persons, especially those battling mental issues such as Alzheimer’s.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their essential roles, mental health support workers face several challenges:
● Burnout
The emotional toll of supporting individuals with mental health issues can lead to burnout. In some cases, the mental health support worker may end up needing help with coping with their stress. This affects the well-being of professionals and the quality of care provided.
● Stigma
The persistent stigma surrounding mental health can hinder individuals from seeking necessary support. This truncates the efforts of mental health workers. The mental health support worker may also face stigmatization by association.
● Underfunding
Limited financial resources can restrict the availability and quality of mental health services. This has been a major challenge to support workers in delivering comprehensive care.
● Lack of Recognition
The contributions of mental health support workers are sometimes undervalued. This has led to inadequate support and resources needed for effective service delivery.
● Lack of Awareness
There has been a lot of awareness on mental health lately. However, it is still not sufficient. Lack of awareness especially in remote areas limits their access to mental health programmes. Without the cooperation of the community members, the mental health support workers may find it difficult to do their job.
However, there are also significant opportunities:
● Growing Recognition
There is an increasing acknowledgement of the importance of mental health support workers.This has enhanced the level of support and resources being provided. At this pace, mental health support workers may soon be recognized as professional mental healthcare providers. This would be a welcome development as it would encourage more people to go into the field.
● Increased Funding
Government and private organizations are allocating more funds to mental health services. With more funding, mental healthcare awareness can be taken to remote areas.
● Advocacy for Better Resources
Ongoing advocacy efforts aim to secure better training, support, and recognition for mental health workers. The higher the resources, the greater the reach.
● Professional Development
There is a growing emphasis on continuous education and training for mental health support workers. This effort is geared towards enhancing their skills and relevance. There is also an increasing prospect in the field as some organisations now hire support workers to provide services to those in need of it.
The Future of Mental Health Support Workers
Looking ahead, several trends are shaping the future of mental health support workers. They include:
- Integration in Healthcare: Mental health support workers are expected to become more integrated within general healthcare teams. This will ensure a holistic care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.
- Technological Advancements:With more technological advancements and presence of social media, mental health awareness is made easier. Mental health workers will be able to offer more personalized care and with ease.
- Policy Changes and Public Investment: Increased public awareness and advocacy are likely to result in policy changes that prioritize mental health. This will favour a greater investment in services and support for professionals.
- Evolving Training and Education: Training programs for mental health support workers will encompass new technologies and methodologies. This would help in offering a deeper understanding of diverse populations. It would be a good way to equip workers to meet emerging challenges.
Conclusion
The benefits of mental health support workers in modern society cannot be overemphasized. They offer essential services that promote well-being across various life endeavours. Their expanded roles in non-clinical settings, adaptation to technological advancements, and collaboration with multiple sectors underscore their importance and commitment. Click here to find support workers around you.