HPP

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Through clearly defined, evidence-based goals over 10 years, Healthy People 2030 promote the health and well-being of all people. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative builds on Healthy People and sets ambitious but realistic objectives to minimize inequities and enhance quality of life. Physical and mental health, environmental issues, healthcare access, and more are all addressed by the goals. Healthy People 2030 is a comprehensive plan to improve national health by preventing and resolving health inequities. Healthy People 2030 help local, state, and national policies, programs, and interventions improve health by defining benchmarks and evaluating progress (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).

The objective, "Reduce anxiety and depression in family caregivers of people with disabilities — DH-D01," was chosen because mental health is increasingly important, particularly for caregivers. Family caregivers of disabled loved ones frequently face severe emotional, psychological, and physical hardship. Caregivers typically balance medical care, domestic tasks, and work while experiencing social isolation and financial hardship, which may lead to anxiety and melancholy (Healthy People 2030, 2020). This objective is significant because caregivers' mental health affects their capacity to offer effective and compassionate care. Improving caregiver well-being may also improve the quality of life for those they care for, save healthcare costs, and make society healthier.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) affect family caregiver mental health. Caregivers' anxiety and sadness may be affected by economic stability, healthcare, social and community support, and the environment. Low-income caregivers may experience financial stress, which may worsen mental health difficulties. Caregivers may not be able to get mental health support due to a lack of affordable healthcare and mental health resources. Marginalized caregivers may also feel alone and have poor mental health due to prejudice or lack of social support (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020). These larger contextual issues would have to be addressed in the fulfillment of the HP 2030 objective; caring commitments and socio-economic factors are a source of continuous stress and burnout.

One evidence-based intervention for reducing anxiety and depression among family caregivers would be a bundled support package that includes mental health therapies, respite care, and financial support. For instance, some caregivers have access to counseling and therapy at low costs or with no costs attached to alleviate their stress levels and boost their coping and resilience. Respite care allows the caregiver an opportunity to rest and take time off from the caregiving. Stipends and grants could be used to assist the caregiver in helping them offset some of the costs of care (World Health Organization, 2023). In addition to direct assistance, support groups can provide a link among caregivers and give an emotional contact. These can help alleviate anxiety and depression by empowering the caregiving role at both psychological and practical levels.

References

Healthy People 2030. (2020). Mental health and mental disorders. Health.gov; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/mental-health-and-mental-disorders

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020). Social determinants of health. Healthy People 2030; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Healthy people 2030. Healthy People 2030; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://health.gov/healthypeople

World Health Organization. (2023, October 20). Mental health of older adults. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults