Make Mental Health and Well-Being For All a Global Priority

SJ, a 27-year-old female, is unable to get out of bed in the morning. She struggles to look after herself and often goes days without talking to her loved ones or being able to cook for herself.

PY, a 42-year-old male, is trying to come to terms with the chronic illness and ageing of a parent.

KL, a 20-year-old female, is working towards rebuilding her life after the end of a relationship.

Although separated by age, geographical location, and circumstance; each of these people are working through unique challenges of their own. Such challenges can be overwhelming and can take a toll on their thoughts, emotions, and how they behave i.e. their mental health.

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the theme of World Mental Health Day to be ‘making mental health and well-being a global priority for all’. The goal was simple - to help individuals around the world recognise that mental health is a basic human right. 

As described in the examples above, all of us experience situations which impact our mental health.  Relocating, ending a relationship or losing a job are all examples of events that might adversely affect one’s mental health. Global events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, war, political instability, or rising costs of living can also take a toll on mental health. Periods of low mental health can look like feeling low or irritable, being keyed up, not looking forward to activities, or not being able to enjoy yourself fully. 

While most people experience phases of impacted mental health (think of it like the flu of mental health - it happens to the best of us); yet others live with chronic mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (the diabetes of mental health). These conditions are life-long and require regular interventions to manage.

Regardless of where you are on the mental health continuum, theoretically, you should be able to access the mental health care you might need.  You visit a healthcare professional when you have the flu, shouldn’t the same apply for periods of low mental health?

Unfortunately, at present, accessing adequate mental health support is a journey filled with obstacles. These obstacles include - 

• Stigma 

Mental health was a taboo topic until very recently. Many people did not understand what mental health is, and seeking support for supposedly ‘imaginary’ problems was seen as ‘being weak’. 

• Shortage of professionals

Mental health professionals are in short supply. As of 2020, India has approximately 0.75 psychiatrists for every 100,000 individuals seeking psychiatric support. The number of qualified, ethical psychologists is also painfully low. 

• High Costs

There are no two ways about it. Mental health support can be expensive. It is also a recurring cost which can add up over time.

By ‘making mental health and well-being a global priority for all’ the WHO is aiming to tackle some of these obstacles. It hopes to shine light on the fact that we all experience mental health challenges and that they are nothing to be ashamed of. Further, it hopes to bridge the gaps in mental health care by training more professionals and making services more affordable to the common man. In India, a new law has recently been passed that directs insurance companies to pay for psychological services. 

There are many benefits of making mental health a global priority. Not only does it allow each individual to enjoy their lives, deal with stressors, and find personal fulfilment; it can also help promote physical health. Studies find a direct link between good mental health and a reduced risk for heart diseases and stroke. There is also an economic benefit of looking after mental health. A review by the Lancet found that mental health concerns cost the US economy nearly 1 trillion USD a year. Simply put, individuals who enjoy good mental health are more productive. They find more meaning in their work and are also more likely to participate in both society and the economy. 

Conclusion

Mental health is a basic human right. Everyone deserves to be able to look after their personal health and well-being. By making mental health a global priority, the World Health Organization aims to draw attention to the pressing problem of making mental healthcare accessible to all. Although there are obstacles, there is also hope. With the right support, mental health conditions can be managed, and you can enjoy a happy, fulfilling life. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.