Tuesday marks the The World Health Organization Thirty-first World Mental Health Day.
WHO recognized the first World Mental Health Day in 1992 to raise awareness Mental Health problems across the world.
“Mental health is a universal human right” is this year’s theme with the aim of increasing knowledge, raising awareness and taking actions that protect mental health as a human right. The WHO said in a press release on Tuesday.
“Mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone. Everyone, wherever and whoever they are, has the right to the highest possible standard of mental health,” the statement said.
One in eight people worldwide live with mental health problems – and depression is a leading cause of disability, according to the WHO.
Despite recent efforts by the WHO, including a coordinated effort to provide mental health care in more than 110 countries, people continue to suffer from poor mental health.
According to 2022 “Global Mental Health Report: Transforming mental health for all” Family, community, sociocultural, geopolitical, and environmental factors often determine a person’s mental health.
“In all countries, it is the poorest and most disadvantaged in society who are at greatest risk of suffering from mental health problems and who are also least likely to benefit from adequate services,” the report says. This risk increased over the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of this year’s theme, WHO is calling for greater access to education, income generation, housing opportunities and social support to combat the mental health crisis.
The WHO said World Mental Health Day gives people an opportunity to ensure they are aware of their right to mental health and to stand up for “what is right – for you and for others “.
