please write an essay against deinstitulization

Question

 please help

Answer 1

Deinstitutionalization is a policy that has been implemented in many countries to reduce the number of people in mental hospitals and promote community-based mental health care. While this policy may seem well-intentioned, there are several reasons why it is not an effective solution to the problems facing the mental health system.

Firstly, deinstitutionalization has led to a shortage of mental health resources in the community. As mental hospitals were closed, the number of community-based mental health facilities was supposed to increase, but this has not happened in many cases. Instead, people with mental health issues are left to rely on emergency services, which are not equipped to handle their needs. This lack of resources has resulted in an increase in homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration among people with mental health problems.

Secondly, deinstitutionalization has led to the criminalization of mental illness. As the number of people with mental health issues in the community has increased, many have ended up in the criminal justice system instead of receiving proper treatment. This has led to an over-reliance on jails and prisons to provide mental health care, which is often inadequate and inhumane. Moreover, people with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violence and abuse while incarcerated.

Thirdly, deinstitutionalization has resulted in a loss of expertise in treating severe mental illness. Mental hospitals had specialized staff who were trained to treat severe mental illness, but with the closure of these facilities, this expertise has been lost. Many community-based mental health providers do not have the training or resources to treat severe mental illness effectively, which has led to a decline in the quality of care for people with mental health issues.

In conclusion, deinstitutionalization is not an effective solution to the problems facing the mental health system. Instead, it has led to a shortage of mental health resources in the community, the criminalization of mental illness, and a loss of expertise in treating severe mental illness. We need to rethink our approach to mental health care and invest in a system that provides adequate resources, promotes community-based care, and ensures that people with mental health issues receive the care they need and deserve.