Mona Chitre, Doctor of Pharmacy, CGP: Each social determinant of health has the impact and potential to exacerbate MDD [major depressive disorder]. MDD and the social determinants of health have a unique relationship. Social determinants of health can trigger mental health disorders, and mental health disorders can cause someone to make poor life decisions that trigger social determinants of health.
Let’s talk about the social determinants of health. I often say that it is anything in your environment that can allow you to thrive, be well, or see a positive future. In the field of mental health, some appear frequently. In no particular order, one is safe housing. Is there a safe housing option for our members? Are they in a safe community? Are they free of trauma and stress? Food and transportation are some basic elements. Do you know where your next meal will come from? Do they have access to a doctor’s office or a pharmacy? The level of income is another. Income level has many triggers for disparities in overall health care. It affects healthcare literacy, access to care and access to treatment. Is your job safe? Is it a toxic environment? It is safe? Family relationships [are another factor]. That’s just to name a few. Is there a family support group? Any social determinant of health can trigger a mental health problem, mental health crisis, or mental health disorder.
Jay Weaver, PharmD, MPH: I have to agree with Dr. Chitre. Most of the things he described were spot on. The only thing he would add would be some of the nutritional challenges. We are coming to understand that there is a link between the food we eat and have access to and our sense of well-being. Things like high-calorie foods and high-carbohydrate foods are often less expensive than higher-quality foods. We also know that the amounts of sugar and other things in those foods can affect our mental well-being. Sometimes food insecurity influences major depressive disorder in ways we don’t fully understand.
Transcript edited for clarity.
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