MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL: GREATER INVESTMENTGREATER ACCESS

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is aimed at increasing global awareness of mental health issues. This year’s theme, Mental Health for All, Greater Investment, Greater Access, could not be timelier, in view of the unprecedented events of the past months and their global implications for mental health. In 2017 it was estimated that 792 million persons, slightly more than one in ten people globally (10.7%), lived with a mental health disorder. Globally there are approximately three million alcohol related deaths every year and one person is estimated to die by suicide every forty seconds. The many stressful effects of the covid-19 pandemic are expected to worsen mental health outcomes if no preventive steps are taken and some authors have already reported increased levels of anxiety and depression within populations studied. World Mental Health Day 2020 therefore presents an opportunity to alert all sectors of society to the need for greater investment in mental health. Up-scaling investment in mental health and improving access to care require much more than government commitment; they require the involvement of every individual and every sector of society, including the Corporate Sector, Non-Government Organizations and Faith Based Organizations. The covid-19 pandemic and public health measures instituted to control its spread have produced many stressors, including social isolation, fear of infection, death of loved ones, job loss and increased demands on front line workers. In addition, the demands of what has now become known as the new normal have revealed novel challenges of digital poverty, homeschooling and working from home.

2020 has shined a spotlight on issues of mental health

Getty Images It is important to remember that increased investment in mental health can only result in greater access if adequate attention is paid to combating stigma and discrimination, and in so doing, encouraging help seeking behavior, preventing the development of mental health disorders and facilitating early diagnosis and effective treatment. Greater investment in mental health with the goal of producing greater access is therefore everyone’s business and World Mental Health Day 2020 presents an excellent opportunity for everyone to get involved and do their part.