World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme “”Mental health is a universal human right » improve knowledge, raise awareness and take actions that promote and protect the mental health of everyone as a universal human right.
Mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone. Everyone, wherever they are and whoever they are, has the right to the highest possible standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable and good quality care, and the right to freedom, independence and inclusion in the community .
Good mental health is essential to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people worldwide live with mental health problems, which can impact their physical health, well-being, relationships with others and livelihoods. Mental health problems also affect a growing number of adolescents and young people.
Having a mental health problem should never be a reason to deprive someone of their human rights or exclude them from decisions about their own health. Yet around the world, people with mental health problems continue to face numerous human rights violations. Many are excluded from community life and face discrimination, while more cannot access the mental health care they need or can only access care that violates their human rights.
WHO continues to work with partners to ensure that mental health is valued, promoted and protected, and that urgent action is taken so that everyone can exercise their human rights and access the quality mental health care they need . Join the World Mental Health Day 2023 campaign to learn more about your fundamental right to mental health as well as how to protect the rights of others.
