5 Ways Society Can Make Mental Health A Global Priority
October 10th is World Mental Health Awareness Day. The World Mental Health Day 2022 theme is to make mental health a global priority for everyone.
Note: I am not a mental health professional. The information presented in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or to replace a medical diagnosis from a mental health professional or your primary care physician. The following information is for educational purposes only.
Throughout the pandemic, we saw an influx of people openly speaking on mental health issues and advocating for adequate resources and information. In addition, on World Mental Health Awareness Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) organizes a global campaign that focuses on supporting and raising awareness for people with these mental health illnesses.
This year, the theme is to make mental health and well-being a global priority. This theme is especially fitting, considering 10% of the world’s population is affected by global mental health issues. So, to help advocate and honor this year’s theme, here are five things society can do to make mental health a global priority.
How To Make Mental Health A Global Priority
Increase Mental Health Education
Right now, one of the most important things we need to make mental health a global priority is proper education. Mental health education provides awareness and resources for individuals and their loved ones. With it, the next generation is better equipped to handle mental health situations within their personal and professional lives. It also helps break the stigma associated with mental health while promoting efforts for treatment and recovery.
Debunk Negative Stigmas
People delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being feared, losing jobs, being judged, and being unaccepted in society. These negative mental health stigmas are dangerous and can cause actual harm to our communities and loved ones. As a society, we must do more to break these stigmas and normalize mental health within our communities. Breaking these negative mental health stigmas can improve relationships between how people perceive mental health vs. those living with them.
Increase Funding For Mental Health Support Services
Funding for mental health helps medical professionals increase access to care for the most vulnerable people worldwide. Despite its significant impact on society, mental health has not been at the forefront of financing for decades. Funding is needed to expand research projects, create innovative and more effective medications, adequately train professionals, and increase the overall well-being of people with mental health illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Stop Treating Mental Health As A Taboo Topic
Society treats mental health the same way we treat sex: like a forbidden topic that only a few should know about. Yet, talking about mental health helps improve our communities by making it more acceptable for those suffering from mental illnesses to seek help, learn to cope, and get on the road to recovery.
Stop Creating Fear & Doubt For People Living With These Conditions
People living with mental health conditions should not feel ashamed or embarrassed. It’s okay to admit something is wrong or that you need help. You should seek help when something is wrong. As a society, we must take responsibility for our negative and unsupportive environment. However, by creating a discourse for conversation and adequate support, we can eliminate people’s fears and guide them toward recovery.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much we as a society must do to make mental health a global priority, from increasing funding for support services to debunking negative stigmas. There will never be a time when the topic of mental health will not be at the forefront of people who have been indirectly or directly impacted.
Outside of society, there are also things we can do individually to further the conversation on mental health matters. These include volunteering at a mental health facility, openly speaking about your experience, lobbying at government offices, and educating the community.
How do you plan to prioritize mental health? Let me know in the comments.
