LC460: Wellbeing in Society

Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................3

Discussion......................................................................................................................................4

Conclusion......................................................................................................................................9

References...................................................................................................................................10

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Introduction

The people who are navigating the complicated terrain of mental health challenges are
the group that has been selected for examination in the introduction of this extensive
report on the wellbeing of people dealing with mental health issues. The rationale
behind prioritizing the well-being of this particular demographic is the understanding that
mental health is a crucial aspect of physical health and significantly influences an
individual's ability to live a satisfying life. This report intends to advocate for the
implementation of strategies that improve the overall welfare of this demographic and to
contribute to a broader understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of mental health
by shedding light on the well-being of those who have mental health issues.

Understanding the context in which mental health wellbeing is situated requires a

foundational investigation of the global definition of wellbeing (O'Connor et al., 2021).
Subjective wellbeing refers to how people personally assess their lives, including
positive emotions and life satisfaction. However, objective or hedonic wellbeing
concentrates on quantifiable measures of well-being like income, health, and quality of
life. Eudemonic wellbeing emphasizes the significance of living in accordance with one's
values and principles and revolves around self-realization, personal growth, and the
pursuit of meaningful goals. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate interactions
between general wellbeing and mental health is possible through acknowledging and
incorporating these viewpoints.

Additionally, the introduction looks at the ideas and national and international trends that
gave rise to the wellbeing agenda. A discussion of the paradigm shift from a limited
focus on illness to a more holistic approach that recognizes the connection between
general wellbeing and mental health is part of this. The report talks about how mental
health is becoming more and more important in the larger conversation about wellbeing,
both nationally and globally (Hossain et al., 2020). This change reflects a broader
definition of health that includes mental and social aspects in addition to the absence of
disease, in line with the tenets of the World Health Organization's charter.

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Discussion

The group of people this report will be discussing consists of those who are struggling
with mental health problems. A wide range of illnesses are included in the category of
mental health issues, from anxiety and mood disorders to more serious and long-lasting
conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These people frequently encounter
particular difficulties in reaching and preserving a sense of wellbeing. In the context of
mental health, wellbeing encompasses more than just the lack of symptoms; it involves
a complex understanding of mental, emotional, and social aspects.

Stigma continues to be a significant obstacle to the well-being of people with mental

health issues in the context of newly emerging sociological issues. The marginalization
of this group is frequently facilitated by societal attitudes, which impedes their access to
resources and support, even in the face of growing awareness and advocacy. This
social stigma can take many different forms, such as widespread stereotypes that
support false beliefs about mental health or discriminatory employment practices. These
social beliefs not only have a direct effect on people's mental health but also build
structural obstacles to their general well-being.

Moreover, the discussion becomes more complex due to the intersectionality of mental
health and other sociological factors like gender, race, and socioeconomic status.
Different levels of wellbeing within this group are a result of social determinants of
health and disparities in access to mental health services. Because of the complex
interactions between societal factors and mental health outcomes, a thorough
understanding of wellbeing for people with mental health issues requires an
investigation of these sociological issues.Through this conversation, the report hopes to
raise awareness of the difficulties this group faces and promote sociological theories
that promote a more accepting and encouraging social structure.

Concept 1: Life Satisfaction and its Impact on the Wellbeing of Individuals with
Mental Health Issues

A crucial component of the wellbeing agenda, life satisfaction offers insights into an
individual's general level of satisfaction with a variety of aspects of their life. Life

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satisfaction becomes a critical metric for assessing psychological and emotional health
in people with mental health disorders (Otto et al., 2021). The Diathesis-Stress Model
states that both biological vulnerabilities and external stressors can have an impact on
an individual's experience of mental health issues. Thus, examining life satisfaction in
this context necessitates comprehending the intricate interactions between internal and
external variables. One relevant external factor that has had a substantial impact on the
quality of life for people with mental health issues is the COVID-19 pandemic. The
pandemic has made pre-existing problems with social isolation, mental health care
access, and economic inequality worse. Studies suggest that people with mental health
disorders might have more trouble adjusting to the pandemic's changes, which would
further reduce their level of satisfaction with life (Iasiello and Van Agteren, 2020).

For people with mental health concerns, having access to healthcare services has a
significant impact on their level of life satisfaction. The pandemic has put pressure on
healthcare systems around the world, which could cause disruptions in mental health
services and make matters worse for this vulnerable population (Faulkner et al., 2021).
Inadequate availability of prompt and suitable mental health services can exacerbate
psychological distress and impede one's ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Furthermore,
people with mental health disorders may be disproportionately affected by the
pandemic's economic effects, which would increase financial stress and lower life
satisfaction.

An individual's cognitive assessment of their life circumstances is closely linked to life

satisfaction, which is a crucial aspect of the wellbeing agenda. Cognitive biases, such
as negative interpretations of life events, may impact an individual's perception of life
satisfaction when they are mentally ill. According to the Cognitive Model of Depression,
depression symptoms persist because of faulty thought patterns (Nyashanu et al.,
2022). Therefore, assessing life satisfaction for people with mental health issues
involves identifying and correcting cognitive distortions that could impair their capacity to
understand and find meaning in life experiences.

Stressors related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have increased, which could lead
to distorted thought patterns in people with mental health issues. Cognitive distortions

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can be made worse by uncertainty, fear of getting sick, and social isolation, which can
affect how people evaluate their level of life satisfaction (Gross et al., 2019).
Furthermore, the pandemic's economic effects might exacerbate people's unfavorable
assessments of their financial stability, which would lower their level of life satisfaction.
Understanding the cognitive dimensions of life satisfaction helps to inform focused
interventions that address the emotional and cognitive aspects of mental health
problems in individuals, as well as to provide a more nuanced understanding of the
difficulties these individuals face.

Analyzing life satisfaction critically in the context of people with mental health problems
requires investigating the ways in which psychological theories—like Maslow's
Hierarchy of Needs—intersect with their experiences (Druss, 2020). Individuals move
up a hierarchy of needs, according to Maslow, with physiological needs serving as the
base and self-actualization as the highest level. Basic needs may not be met for people
who are struggling with mental health issues, which could affect how they cognitively
evaluate their level of life satisfaction. In this context, the Cognitive Model of Depression
supports Maslow's theory by emphasizing deviant thought patterns that impede the
development of higher-level needs. A comprehensive understanding of how these
cognitive distortions—which are frequently the result of unfulfilled basic needs—can
reinforce a downward spiral of decreased wellbeing is necessary in order to address life
satisfaction for people with mental health issues (Basu et al., 2021). Psychological and
physiological aspects of interventions are essential because they follow Maslow's
hierarchy of needs and acknowledge the connection between mental health and overall
wellness.

Concept 2: Social Inclusion and its Significance in Enhancing Wellbeing for

Individuals with Mental Health Issues

Another essential idea in the wellbeing agenda is social inclusion, which refers to
people's meaningful and active participation in society. Social inclusion is essential for
promoting a sense of belonging and reducing the negative impacts of social isolation for
people with mental health concerns (Hrabok et al., 2020). According to the Social
Identity Theory, social inclusion helps people feel more connected to a larger social

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context and has a positive impact on their mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has
posed distinct obstacles to social inclusion, as measures such as lockdowns, social
distancing protocols, and a rise in remote work have intensified social isolation (Baxter
et al., 2019). Social isolation can have a negative impact on people, especially those
who are mentally ill because it can damage the social networks that are essential to
their overall health. Lack of in-person connections and involvement in the community
can aggravate pre-existing mental health issues and cause feelings of loneliness.

Furthermore, social inclusion and inequality are linked because marginalized groups—
such as those with mental health disorders—may encounter additional obstacles to full
inclusion in society. For instance, the pandemic has made the digital divide more
evident, restricting access to online social interactions and escalating social exclusion
for those with less access to digital resources. Reducing these differences is crucial to
advancing social inclusion and, in turn, improving the mental health of those who
experience mental health problems. A vital component of wellbeing, social inclusion
goes beyond participation to include a feeling of meaningful connection and belonging
in a community (Fiorill and Gorwood, 2020). In order to promote social inclusion, the
Social Capital Theory highlights the value of social networks and community
involvement. Lack of these inclusive experiences can make people with mental health
problems feel alienated and have a detrimental effect on their general well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to traditional social

structures, which has made it more difficult for people with mental health issues to be
included in society (Reitz etal., 2020). The decrease in opportunities for face-to-face
social interactions can be attributed to the closing of communal spaces, limiting
gatherings, and moving towards remote work. Because they depend so heavily on the
support of their communities for their well-being, people with mental health issues may
be disproportionately impacted by this altered social landscape (Naslund et al., 2019).
Developing creative ways to support virtual social inclusion is essential as society
adjusts to new norms, making sure that people with mental health concerns are not
marginalized in social interactions. Fostering a sense of belonging and improving the

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wellbeing of this vulnerable demographic require addressing these changing
challenges.

Improving the quality of life for people with mental health disorders requires a
multimodal strategy that combines government programs and nonprofit organizations.
One well-known group that supports mental health is Mind, a charity with headquarters
in the UK that offers a variety of services, such as community programs, advocacy, and
counseling. The mind is essential to de-stigmatizing mental health because it provides
tools for personal empowerment and advances public awareness of mental health
issues (Pieh et al., 2021). One noteworthy program that aims to improve access to
psychological therapies based on evidence for common mental health issues is called
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). The Mental Health Parity and
Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) in guarantees that benefits for mental health and drug
use disorders in private health plans are equivalent to benefits for general medical
conditions (Ward et al., 2019).

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Conclusion

In conclusion, a variety of government programs, helpline services, and nonprofit

organizations contribute to the all-encompassing support system required to improve
the wellbeing of people with mental health concerns. Together, these organizations
strive to address the complex issues that the targeted population faces by raising
awareness, lowering stigma, and guaranteeing that mental health services are easily
accessible and provide good care. Destigmatizing through public awareness campaigns
is essential to promoting the well-being of people with mental health issues. Inclusionary
settings that promote candid discussions about mental health and judgment-free zones
should be promoted by society. Wellbeing can be considerably enhanced by increasing
financing for mental health services and by expanding the availability of easily
accessible resources, like support groups and counseling. To solve systemic issues,
cooperation between governmental agencies, nonprofits, and the commercial sector is
crucial. Furthermore, the execution of workplace mental health programs and
educational initiatives aimed at augmenting comprehension can facilitate the
development of a more accommodating and compassionate society for those who are
coping with mental health concerns.

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References

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Baxter, A.J., Tweed, E.J., Katikireddi, S.V. and Thomson, H., (2019). Effects of Housing
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Gross, J.J., Uusberg, H. and Uusberg, A., (2019). Mental illness and well‐being: an
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Hossain, M.M., Tasnim, S., Sultana, A., Faizah, F., Mazumder, H., Zou, L., McKyer,
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