Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
MENTAL HEALTH
50. Percent of Mesa County Residents Stressed
The Healthy People 2000 goal is to decrease to no more than 5% the proportion of people aged 18 and older who report experiencing significant levels of stress.
In Mesa County, reported high stress has decreased from 12.1% in 1994 to 8.3% in 1997. Since stress can be linked to social and economic conditions, a general reduction in stress could be attributed to better economic circumstances, improved social conditions, or better stress management skills.
May link to . . .
- Economy
- Social Environment
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Inadequate Exercise
- Access to Health Care
Figure 7-23: Percent Respondents Experiencing High Stress
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
51. Days Mental Health Was Not Good
Fewer respondents in the 1997 Risk Behavior Survey (22.4%) reported having one or more days of bad mental health than in 1994 (25.4%).
The differences may be due to sampling variability alone. Mental health includes a wide range of problems ranging from merely feeling "blue" to problems that are severely incapacitating and life threatening. This indicator reflects the ability to fully participate in family and community life.
May link to . . .
- Economy
- Social Environment
- High Blood Pressure
- High Stress
- Inadequate Exercise
Figure 7-24: One or More Days Mental Health Was Poor
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
52. Professional Mental Health Usage
The Healthy People 2000 goal is to increase to at least 20% the proportion of people aged 18 and older who seek help in coping with personal and emotional problems.
This indicator is new in 1997. Respondents from Mesa County are more likely than the national average to have sought professional mental health services. Seeking help can be affected by the mobility of the population, beliefs about the effectiveness of help, insurance coverage, and many other factors.
May link to . . .
- Economy
- Social Environment
- Insurance Coverage
Figure 7-25: Percent Respondents Who Sought Professional Mental Health Help
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
Next