Examine a situation that includes making a policy recommendation based on your expertise as a psychological consultant to a newly discovered nation. Your recommendations will be included in a 3-page paper not including your title and reference page.
Review the following situation:
Imagine you are serving as a psychological consultant to a newly discovered nation of the world and you discover that most people in this nation are happy while some are distressed and suffering from psychological disorders or mental distress.
Review and use any of the course reading.You may also use any resources from your previous research for this course.
Assignment: (3 pages excluding title page and reference page)
Part 1: Happiness and Well-Being 1 page
Based on the situation provided and utilizing the course Learning Resources to support your thinking:
Select and describe three influences on happiness and well-being that vary across cultures for your new nation.
Explain why you think these three influences are critical to improving national well-being.
Part 2: Psychological Distress and Disorder (1 page)
Based on the situation provided and utilizing the course Learning Resources to support your thinking:
Select and describe three influences on psychological distress and disorders that vary across cultures for your new nation.
Explain why you think these three influences are especially significant for understanding the nation’s psychological distress.
Part 3: Policy Recommendation (1 page)
Based on the situation provided and utilizing the course Learning Resources to support your thinking:
Make three policy recommendations to reduce psychological distress and explain why.
Make three policy recommendations for psychological well-being for this new nation and explain why.
Support your finding with references from the Learning Resources and your research.
Full Answer Section
- Invest in mental health services.
This includes providing funding for mental health clinics, hospitals, and other mental health providers. It also includes training more mental health professionals.
- Promote mental health in schools and workplaces.
This includes teaching students and employees about mental health and how to identify and manage stress. It also includes creating supportive environments where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health concerns.
- Integrate mental health care into primary care.
This would make it easier for people to access mental health care, as they would not need to see a separate mental health professional.
- Reduce poverty and inequality.
Poverty and inequality are major social determinants of mental health. By reducing poverty and inequality, the government can improve the mental health of the population as a whole.
In addition to these general recommendations, I would also make specific recommendations based on my assessment of the specific mental health needs of the population. For example, if I found that there is a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), I would recommend developing specialized PTSD treatment programs.
I would also work to raise awareness of mental health and reduce stigma. This can be done through public education campaigns, training for healthcare professionals, and support groups for people with mental illness and their families.
I believe that by implementing these recommendations, the newly discovered nation can improve the mental health of its population and create a more supportive environment for people with mental illness.
Biblical references
The Bible teaches that we should care for the sick and the suffering. In Matthew 25:36, Jesus says, "I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you cared for me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
The Bible also teaches that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus says, "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
By implementing the policy recommendations above, the newly discovered nation can show love to its people and care for those who are suffering from mental illness.
Conclusion
Improving the mental health of a population is a complex challenge, but it is one that is worth pursuing. By implementing the policy recommendations above, the newly discovered nation can create a more supportive environment for people with mental illness and improve the overall well-being of its population.
Sample Answer
As a psychological consultant to a newly discovered nation where most people are happy, while some are distressed and suffering from psychological disorders or mental distress, I would make the following policy recommendations:
1. Develop a national mental health strategy.
This strategy should identify the key mental health needs of the population and develop a plan to address them. It should also promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.