A New Tool in Treating Mental Illness: Building Design

Physical and Mental Health
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Physical and Mental Health
In the New York Times article, "A New Tool in Treating Mental Illness: Building Design," the main idea is establishing new features in mental health facilities (Margolies, 2021). The article discusses how for several years, patients were crowded in rooms and dorms during the night. New research on the effects of the surroundings on health has facilitated the development of facilities that feel more residential. These facilities have incorporated welcoming entrances, gathering spaces, and smaller living units with larger buildings. The article also addresses how nature plays a significant role in health since, through spending time outdoors, patients access fresh air and sunlight. The new approach is timely since the coronavirus pandemic has lead to a surge in mental health issues.
Furthermore, the article sheds light on how the number of Americans affected by mental illnesses such as depression is gradually increasing. The number of young adults, Latino, and Black people are reporting an increased level of anxiety and substance abuse. An increase in treatment demand has led to more mental health facilities than other specialty hospitals. The new approach has taken safety measures such as eliminating room features that patients have used to harm themselves and others. The article is crucial in highlighting how the new health facilities give patients some sense of control over their surroundings. It also highlights how today the location of mental health facilities are conveniently situated and not tucked away. The article gives an example of Ohana, a center that provides young patients with psychiatric treatment (Margolies, 2021). The building will wrap around beautiful old oaks, and the grounds will provide are for yoga and gathering. Moreover, paths will be lined with plants whose scents can strengthen immunity. This new approach has been promoted as therapeutic and healing, leading to calming and more supportive environments.
Based on the ideas discussed in the New York Times article by Jane Margolies, I feel that the world is taking significant steps towards promoting mental health. There is a favorable implication of curating an environment that supports mental health. By establishing conducive surroundings for mentally ill patients, there is hope in reducing mental illness mortality. The article evokes emotions of optimism in those who have encountered mentally ill patients. This group of patients r...