The 10th October marked World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilise efforts in support of mental health. This year’s observation of the day coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused and/or exacerbated struggles with mental health among many populations, and the need for mental health support has increased drastically as a result. However, the fact still stands that mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health. The observation of World Mental Health Day results in increased discussion surrounding these issues, and people are encouraged to inform themselves and others, as well as share their personal stories about mental health. However, are all these discussions leading us towards progressively fighting the neglect of this public health issue?
Statistics show that close to one billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder, and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. Mental health remains a highly stigmatised topic, and many people who live with mental illness struggle to reach out for interpersonal support and professional help as a result. The most important problem is that very few people have access to quality mental health services. In low and middle-income countries, over 75% of people with mental disorders (including substance abuse and neurological disorders) do not receive treatment for their conditions. Countries spend only 2% of their health budgets on mental health, and this small amount reflects how governments prioritise mental health compared to physical health.
What is the significance of World Mental Health Day if these facts reveal that reality is different from the narrative of progressive action that is perpetuated so frequently?
Dr Ingrid Daniels, president of the World Federation for Mental Health, commented that, “It is nearly 30 years since the first World Mental Health Day was launched by the World Federation for Mental Health. During that time, we have seen an increasing openness to talk about mental health […] But now we must turn words into actions.” There have been numerous events and organisations opening discussions surrounding mental health – one of them being the Big Event for Mental Health hosted by the WHO on 10th October, which included many people having more mental health related discussions and sharing their personal journeys with mental health. The irony here is how widespread the need has become to normalise discussions about mental health, with the WHO appearing to prioritise de-stigmatisation and discrimination – and yet, millions of people continue to live with debilitating disorders for which they are unable to receive treatment. This is a problem only exacerbated by the global pandemic.
The prevalence of mental illness results in a reduction in workforce productivity, as depression and anxiety have a significant economic impact – the estimated cost to the global economy is US$1 trillion per year lost in productivity. For every US$1 put into better treatment for common mental health disorders, there is a return of up to four times more in improved health and productivity. Given this, governments worldwide should be implementing better strategic action that produces more accessibility and treatment options for people living with mental illness.
Mental health disorders are so common and in many cases, such as with depression and anxiety, are highly treatable. As such the prognosis is very positive, where most people who have access to treatment go on to live healthier lives that are less affected by their disorder. Discussion and de-stigmatisation about this issue are only two aspects that need to be addressed. Improved accessibility to treatment and affordability thereof is paramount to true progression in the sphere of mental health.