Geneva, 20 June 2022 (TDI): The World Health Organization (WHO) published its largest review of World Mental Health concerning Mental health care on 17th June 2022.
The review offers a blueprint for governments, academics, health professionals, civil society, and others with a desire to transform mental health. There is a need to put more effort into Mental Health care.
In 2019, it was discovered that almost a billion people including 14% of the World’s adolescents have a mental disorder. It was found that suicide was the main cause of 1 in 100 deaths and 58% of suicide happened before age 50.
Mental disorders are the main cause of disability, causing 1 in 6 years lived in disability. It was also discussed that people with mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than the average person.
Childhood sexual abuse and bullying victimization are the biggest causes of depression. Other factors that can lead to mental health deterioration include socio-economic inequalities, public health emergencies war, and climate crises.
It was found that depression and anxiety rose by more than 25% in the first year of the pandemic. WHO comprehensive reports show why and where change is needed the most and how it can be accomplished.
WHO has called on all stakeholders to cooperate to deepen the value and commitment given to mental health. It calls for the need to transform the environments that influence mental health and strengthen the systems that oversee mental health needs.
WHAT CAN BE DONE
As it stands, WHO member states are signatories to the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030. This plan commits member states to global targets for transforming mental health.
The Director of WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Department, Devora Kestel has called for change. The Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 provides many recommendations for action.
These recommendations are grouped into 3 paths to shift attitudes toward mental health, addressing risks to mental health. They are also to strengthen systems that care for mental health. These paths include;
- Deepen the value and commitment given to mental health.
- Reshape environments that influence mental health include homes, communities, schools, workplaces, healthcare services, and natural environments.
- Strengthen mental health care by changing where, how, and by whom mental health care is delivered.
