Poverty, natural or man-made catastrophes, conflicts and other disruptive factors can have a disastrous effect on the physical condition, mental health and psychological wellness of millions of people around the globe.
However, humanitarian assistance for those in critical situations is frequently limited to delivering tangible help such as medical care, food, and shelter, but not counseling. There is, therefore, a need to consider paying close attention to providing mental health and psychological support (MHPSS) to vulnerable communities in both the short- and long-term to reduce the risks of depression and negative social drawbacks.
What is mental health?
An individual’s psychological, emotional, and social condition is defined as mental health. It refers to a human being’s capacity to deal with and handle life’s daily challenges, have stable and healthy relationships, and make choices that benefit his/her general health.
Why is mental health important?
People suffering from mental illness, particularly severe (and frequently long-term) mental disorders, are more inclined to suffer comorbid physical illness which is when an individual has multiple illnesses or conditions at once and they tend to pass away sooner than others.
Improving people’s mental health boosts their academic achievement and increases involvement and performance in the workforce, which is advantageous to society as a whole. It also supports physical health which extends lifespan, increases productivity, and increases overall happiness.
Why invest in mental health?
Despite widespread underreporting in numerous nations, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2022 World Mental Health Report estimates that one in every eight individuals worldwide is suffering from a mental disorder. Investing in preventing and addressing mental health issues at an early stage can significantly increase public savings for the healthcare sector.
Based on data from another report issued by The Lancet, the worldwide cost of mental health issues (and their effects) is expected to reach US$6 trillion by 2030, up from US$2.5 trillion in 2010.
The costs borne by individuals, communities, and even nations illustrate the huge financial burden that mental health problems can present. These expenses include not just the direct costs of medical care but also the indirect costs of lost possibilities for employment, education, and social interaction. In turn, this may result in stigma, prejudice, and a shorter lifespan.
Supporting mental health care financially around the globe can help countries and individuals to save money while also improving people’s quality of life. Furthermore, according to WHO, mental health issues are still on the rise throughout the world due to persistent global concerns such as rising social and economic inequality.
Assisting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The accomplishment of certain SDGs is closely correlated with mental health. The SDGs operate as a common guide for actions at the international level to build a fairer and more sustainable world. Mental health is an essential component of this endeavor because, as the WHO recognizes, in the absence of mental health, there cannot be sustainable progress or health.
Here are some examples of the correlation between mental health and SDGs:
SDG 3: In order to be healthy and happy, a person must also have strong mental health. The world’s average suicide rate is a significant mental health concern, and SDG 3 features an objective to lower this.
SDG 4: Academic achievement and mental health are closely related, and learning difficulties can be caused by mental health issues. The promotion of mental health in schools is one of SDG 4’s targets.
SDG 5: The issue of mental health impacts women and girls three times more than it does men. The elimination of every kind of abuse against women and girls is one of SDG 5’s targets because this can have a significant effect on their psychological well-being.
SDG 8: Mental health issues can seriously affect productivity and job performance. The promotion of secure workplaces and a decrease in illnesses and injuries related to work are also targets of SDG 8.
SDG 10: Marginalized populations, including the poor, refugees, and individuals with disabilities, may have mental health issues. SDG 10 has the goal of reducing inequality both within and between nations.
Based on data shared in the WHO’s 2020 Mental Health Atlas, just about a quarter of the organization’s members have managed to incorporate mental health into national healthcare systems.
On a global scale, around 70% of people suffering from mental health disorders lack adequate treatment. Over 80% of all individuals with mental illnesses reside in low- and middle-income nations and are unable to receive proper care and social assistance. However, these numbers are not 100% accurate, as healthcare statistics are far from reliable in underdeveloped and developing countries.
One of the research projects published in The Lancet found that the regions hardest hit by COVID-19 experienced sharp rises in depression and anxiety. The authors estimate that the pandemic added 76.2 million instances of anxiety disorder and 53.2 million instances of major depressive disorder overall.
How can mental health be improved on a global scale?
Improving global mental health necessitates a multifaceted approach involving multiple stakeholders such as governments, medical professionals, communities, and people.
Here are some techniques that can help to promote global mental health:
1. Address the social factors that affect mental health: These include poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination. By putting in place laws that support social and economic equality, nations can seek to lessen these socioeconomic factors that impact mental health.
2. Expand access to mental health treatment: Authorities and medical professionals must collaborate to widen access to mental health treatment. This entails increasing the number of mental health professionals, improving mental health care in rural regions, and reducing the cost of mental health care.
Some years ago, WHO initiated a program entitled “Special Initiative for Mental Health” whose goal was to make inexpensive, high-quality mental health care available in nine nations, impacting a total of 100 million people.
3. Increase understanding of mental health: By doing so, the stigma surrounding mental health issues could be reduced. This approach is one of the most important as, in many developing countries, the impact of mental disorders, such as depression for example, are undervalued or even overlooked. In many cases, people simply do not believe in mental disorders that are not manifested by physical symptoms.
4. Encourage mental health studies: Investing in studies regarding mental health diseases can help to discover new therapies and treatments. To further knowledge of mental health and potential therapies, organizations and local authorities should invest in research in this area.
5. Establish supportive surroundings: Employers could implement rules that promote a healthy work-life balance and lessen pressure at work, while communities can provide safe spaces that encourage social support and relationships.
6. Promote healthy habits: This should be done at local, national and international levels since healthy habits are intimately related to mental and physical well-being. These should include exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep.
Wrap-up
Humanitarian assistance for those in critical situations is frequently limited to delivering tangible help but addressing mental health issues and providing specialized support is crucial to promote balanced rehabilitation within those communities affected. Thus, donors and implementers should consider paying close attention to providing mental health and psychological support to vulnerable communities, in both the short- and long term to reduce the risks of depression and negative social drawbacks.
