In his message marked World Mental Health DayThe head of the United Nations said there are “profound” social and economic consequences from that neglect, explaining that some countries have only two mental health workers for every 100,000 people.
Anxiety and depression also take a heavy financial toll, costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion a year.
Increased support
“We must strengthen the capacity of health services to deliver quality care to those in need, especially young people,” said the top UN official. encourage community-based services and integrate mental health support into health care and the wider society.
“Investing in mental health means investing in healthy and thriving communities.”
Stigma and discrimination, which prevent social inclusion, must also be addressed along with breaking down barriers that prevent people from seeking care and support.
“And we must prevent the root causes of mental health conditionsincluding violence and abuse,” he continued, ensuring that the UN is committed to working with partners to promote mental health.
Mr. Guterres stressed the importance of making mental health a “global priority” and taking urgent action to enable access to mental health care for everyone, everywhere. quality.
COVID effect
As COVID continues to take its toll, the World Health Organization (WHO) is campaigning for people to reconnect and resume efforts to protect and improve mental health.
Even before the pandemic, in 2019, an estimated one in eight people globally were living with a mental disorder.
However, COVID has caused a global mental health crisis, fueling short- and long-term stress and undermining the mental health of millions.
During the first year of the pandemic, WHO estimates an increase more than 25% in both anxiety and depression-related disorders.
At the same time, it has severely disrupted mental health services and widened treatment gaps, with skills and funding shortages, especially in low- and middle-income countries. .
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a 25% increase in anxiety and depression rates worldwide.
Global consequences
And increasing social and economic inequality, protracted conflict, violence and public health emergencies are affecting the well-being of entire populations.
In 2021, a staggering 84 million people have been displaced.
“We must deepen the value and commitment we have to mental health as individuals, communities and governments and align that value with commitment, engagement and investment. more of all stakeholders, across all sectors”, WHO underlined.
“We must strengthen mental health care to meet the full spectrum of mental health needs through a network of accessible, affordable, and quality community-based services and supports”.
Boost World Cup
To promote mental health and well-being, including through physical activity and sport, WHO and the Government of Qatar have developed an exciting new initiative related to the FIFA World Cup starting this month. next, they announced on Monday.
Thirty-two so-called “Friendship Chairs” – one for each country participating in the world football festival – are being built and installed around prominent sites in Doha, including one for Each area of the league stadium is different.
The project aligns with the overall goals and ongoing campaigns, including FIFA-WHO campaign #REACHOUT; the “Are you okay?” project of the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar; and the groundbreaking Friendship Benches project itself, originally developed in Zimbabwe and supported by WHO.
“The bench is a simple yet powerful means of promoting mental health, from park benches where people gather to football stadiums where players and staff watch their teams. compete for fun and the promise of sport and success.” speak WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He describes it as “a powerful reminder…[that] Physical health is precious and common to all people and all nations, and how, through sport, people can reach out to others, as fellow human beings, in solidarity. connection and support. “
