Dr Tehrim Fatima
Do you care about your mental health as well as your physical health?
Mental health is a fundamental human right that is essential for the well-being and dignity of every human being. However, mental health is often neglected and violated in many parts of the world, posing a severe challenge to humankind. In this article, I will critically evaluate the significance of mental health as a human right and the reasons why mental health is the most significant modern challenge to humankind.
Mental health as a human right means that everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of mental health, which includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community. Mental health is a fundamental human right for all people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status. Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being, as it affects our physical health, well-being, connection with others, and livelihoods.
The significance of mental health as a human right can be seen from various perspectives. From a moral perspective, mental health as a human right reflects the respect for the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. It also implies the recognition of the diversity and uniqueness of each person’s experiences and needs. From a legal perspective, mental health as a human right is enshrined in various international and regional instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These instruments oblige States to respect, protect and fulfil all people’s mental health rights. From a social perspective, mental health as a human right promotes social justice and inclusion. It challenges the stigma and discrimination that people with mental health conditions face in many parts of the world. It also encourages people to seek help and support when they need it and to offer help and support to others who may be struggling. Moreover, it highlights the importance of investing in mental health services and policies at all local and global levels.
However, despite the significance of mental health as a human right, many challenges and obstacles prevent its realization. One of the main challenges is the lack of resources and funding for mental health care in many countries, especially low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 2% of the global health budget is spent on mental health. This means that many people with mental health conditions do not have access to the care they need or can only access care that violates their human rights. Another challenge is the lack of data and evidence on mental health issues and interventions in different contexts and populations. This hampers the development and evaluation of effective and culturally appropriate strategies to address mental health needs. A third challenge is the lack of political will and commitment to prioritize mental health as a global public health issue. Despite the adoption of several resolutions and declarations by the United Nations and other international bodies, mental health still remains a neglected and marginalized area in many countries.
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These challenges make mental health one of the biggest modern challenges to humanity. Mental health affects everyone in one way or another. According to WHO, one in four people will be affected by a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives. Mental disorders are among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide. Depression alone affects more than 264 million people globally and is one of the leading causes of suicide, which is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely – as much as two decades early – due to preventable physical conditions. Mental health also has significant social and economic impacts. It affects education, employment, productivity, relationships, security, peace, and development. The global cost of mental disorders was estimated at USD 2.5 trillion in 2010 and is projected to reach USD 6 trillion by 2030.
Therefore, it is imperative that we address mental health as a human right and a global priority. We need to increase funding and resources for mental health care at all levels; improve data collection and research on mental health issues and interventions; strengthen political will and commitment to prioritize mental health; raise awareness and reduce stigma; promote prevention and early intervention; provide quality and rights-based care; ensure participation and empowerment of people with lived experience; foster collaboration and coordination among stakeholders; integrate mental health into other sectors; monitor progress and accountability; and innovate solutions for emerging challenges. By doing so, we can transform mental health for all.
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