Mental health is an essential component of well-being, influencing everything from physical health to workplace productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” Whether from an individual or public perspective, mental health is an integral aspect of health and well-being that supports our individual and collective relationship-building and decision-making.
The online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health program at Texas State University equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address mental health as a public health issue. Courses such as Foundations of Personal Health and Health in the School Setting help learners understand the broader impact of mental health awareness and develop strategies to improve community well-being.
Mental Health Awareness: How Determinants of Health Impact Mental Well-Being
Mental health is shaped by various social, economic and environmental factors known as the determinants of health. According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), factors that influence mental wellness include access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, education and social support systems.
For example, individuals living in low-income communities often face higher stress levels due to financial instability, food insecurity and inadequate access to mental health resources. When it comes to mental health in the workplace, environments that lack mental health support can contribute to increased anxiety and burnout. Understanding these determinants allows public health professionals to develop targeted interventions, advocate for policy changes and improve access to care.
The Role of Public Health Professionals in Addressing Mental Health
Public health professionals have a unique set of knowledge and skills that help them recognize and address mental health issues early on. By leveraging research, policy development and community outreach, they can introduce measures to reduce the burden of mental health disorders. The online B.S. in Public Health program from Texas State prepares students to take on these challenges by offering coursework focused on public health program planning, community health education and worksite health promotion.
But what is public mental health? According to a BMC Public Health article on the evolving conceptual framework for this mental health area, public mental health focuses on improving mental well-being at individual, family, community and structural levels by understanding and addressing factors that affect mental health. Instead of treating individuals one by one, it looks at big-picture solutions to prevent mental health issues before they start.
Experts in this field create programs and policies to support mental health across all stages of life, like school programs that teach kids coping skills early on. The goal is to make mental healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone.
Expanding Knowledge Through Targeted Coursework From Texas State
A strong foundation in mental health-related public health coursework provides learners with the tools necessary to address mental health challenges on a broad scale. In the Foundations of Personal Health core course offered at Texas State, students explore critical health behavior trends and topics, such as nutrition, mental health, sexual health and physical fitness. This course emphasizes how personal health behaviors and social determinants influence mental wellness and long-term well-being.
Another key course, Health in the School Setting, helps students understand the role of public health professionals in supporting student mental health. Schools serve as critical access points for mental health services, and this course examines strategies for integrating mental health education and support systems within the school environment. By learning how to implement school-wide wellness initiatives and develop intervention programs, students are prepared to advocate for mental health awareness among young populations.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters in Public Health
Recognizing mental health as a public health issue is essential in building healthier communities. Addressing social determinants and improving access to care can reduce the instances and severity of mental health disorders. In Texas State’s online B.S. in Public Health program, students prepare to actively promote mental well-being and ensure it remains a priority in public health initiatives.
A career in public health offers the opportunity to create systemic changes that benefit individuals and communities alike. Through coursework focused on mental health awareness, students develop the expertise needed to address public health challenges and advocate for meaningful reform.
Learn more about Texas State’s online B.S. in Public Health program.
