Those who report underline that anxiety and depression affect billions of people, showing challenges in mental health care and the urgency of investments
Recent reports from World mental health today AND Mental Health Atlas 2024Released by the World Health Organization (WHO), it reveals that over 1 billion people all over the world live with different types of mental disorders. The entity attracts attention to the human and economic impacts of this reality and strengthens the need to expand, on a global scale, services focused on prevention and mental health.
Among the most frequent conditions there are anxiety and depression, present in all age groups and social contexts. According to data, these diseases are already the second main cause of prolonged disability, generate high costs for health systems and represent significant economic losses.
“Transforming mental health services is one of the major challenges in public health”states Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusGeneral manager of WHO. Add: “Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities and economies, an investment that no country can afford to neglect. Every government and every leader have the responsibility of acting urgently and ensuring that mental health assistance is not treated as a privilege but as a fundamental right of all”.
Suicide: an urgent concern
Which also stressed that suicide is one of the main causes of death among young people in different countries and socio -economic contexts. Only in 2021, about 727,000 people lost their lives in that way. The goal set by the United Nations is to reduce rates by 2030 in a third. However, the progress is slow: at the current rhythm, the fall should only be 12%.
Progress and inequalities
There are positive signs. Many countries have already implemented mental health promotion actions in school, early childhood and suicide prevention programs. In addition, over 80% of the nations offer an psychosocial emergency support, a remarkable jump compared to 2020. Teletentation services and outpatient, but irregular treatments have also grown.
However, investments are still insufficient. On average, only 2% of the health budget are intended for the area. While wealthy countries even spend $ 65 per person, low income invest only $ 0.04.
Obstacles to overcome
According to reports, many governments updated mental health plans, but the changes have not yet shown solid reforms. Currently, less than half of the countries has laws in line with international standards for human rights. In addition, less than 10% of countries emigrated to the community care, while most still concentrates hospitalizations in psychiatric hospitals.
Given this scenario, which appeals to governments to give priority to coherent mental health policies. The main recommendations include: guarantee fair and sufficient funding; reform legislation to guarantee human rights; Invest in the training of professionals; and expand the community assistance models, closest to individual needs.
Where to seek help in Brazil
If you are going through a sort of psychic suffering or know someone in this situation, take a look at the places where you can look for professional help:
- CVV (Center for Valorization of Life): Free service, 24 hours a day, by phone 188, chat on the OE -mail website;
- The channel can speak: Aimed at young people aged between 13 and 24, it operates from Monday to Friday, from 8 to 22, through WhatsApp;
- Sus: The psychosocial core centers (caps) offer free reception and treatment;
- Mental health map: Online platform with unit of free psychological care and educational material.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
