World Mental Health Day and Destigmatization on World Mental Health Day
In countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region, which includes India, one in seven people are living with mental health conditions
New Delhi, October 10 : The World Health Organisation (WHO) marked World Mental Health Day with a powerful message emphasizing the essential need for accessible mental health services and the destigmatization of mental health issues. Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, underscored that mental health is a universal human right, echoing the significance of physical health in preserving human dignity.
In the WHO South-East Asia Region, which encompasses countries like India, it is estimated that one in seven individuals grapple with mental health conditions, making this an issue of profound importance. Anxiety and depressive disorders are prevalent among both men and women, accounting for nearly half of all cases of mental disorders in the region.
Dr. Khetrapal Singh emphasized that for mental health to be acknowledged as a universal human right, a profound transformation of societal attitudes and government policies is imperative. She stressed the urgency of safeguarding populations against the risks associated with mental health conditions, which encompass a wide array of factors, including overarching concerns like climate change, humanitarian emergencies, and social issues such as inequality and poverty.
Creating awareness and fostering education are critical components of destigmatizing mental health issues. Discrimination and stigma serve as significant barriers that deter individuals from seeking the help and support they require. To achieve true progress, mental health services and facilities must be accessible to all, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, or other circumstances.
Dr. Khetrapal Singh emphasized that mental health is a state of well-being wherein individuals can recognize their abilities, effectively cope with life’s everyday stresses, contribute to their communities, and work productively. It extends beyond the mere absence of mental disorders, encapsulating a positive state of mental and emotional well-being.
This definition of mental health aligns with the broader conception of human rights, emphasizing not only freedom from harm but also the freedom to lead a fulfilling life. Importantly, mental health intersects with various aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and social participation. A person’s mental well-being significantly impacts their ability to exercise other fundamental rights, such as the right to education and the right to work. When mental health is safeguarded and prioritized, individuals are better equipped to meaningfully engage in society and contribute positively to their communities.
On World Mental Health Day, this call to action from the WHO serves as a reminder of the critical importance of destigmatization and accessibility in promoting mental health as a universal human right.
