December is considered the Universal Human Rights Month. This is the time for everyone in the world to come together and defend the rights and dignity of each and every single person in this world. Over the last 20 years, mental health has begun to be acknowledged as an important component of the right to health, and actions must be taken to practice and acknowledge this right.
“Without mental health, there can be no true physical health.” Brock Chisolm, the first director-general of the World Health Organization, said.
However, regardless of how much our well-known organizations emphasize the importance of mental health to everyone, some people still struggle to see this. Globally, mental health receives less than 5% of total government health spending, and this figure is significantly less in lower-income countries (WHO, 2015). That is, they haven’t really grasped the fact that mental and physical health are equally important. That the right to health includes mental health also. Having this lower allocation for mental health results in an unintended hierarchy where mental health is perceived as lower than physical health.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that in some countries, the only care available for individuals with mental health issues is in psychiatric institutions, and many of these are associated with serious human rights violations manifested in inhumane treatment.
We must continue to raise mental health awareness in light of these reports and happenings. Continued efforts to raise awareness may eventually result in taking mental health seriously as a basic human right.
Ways on How to Promote Mental Health Awareness
Spread Mental Health messages
It does not necessarily mean you have to spread only “positive” messages, but talking about the realities of mental health makes it relatable to most people. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies when it comes to mental health. That is why it is important to recognize and acknowledge anything that is not purely positive in mental health.
Educate yourself and share what you learn
Mental illness is frequently misunderstood by most people. Educating oneself is a great way to practice raising mental health awareness. Learn about it and then share what you’ve discovered. Start by talking with your friends about mental health using friendly terms and avoiding being too technical.
If you want to “gain knowledge and skills to promote human rights and help tackle stigma, abuse, and coercion experienced by people with mental health conditions or psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities”? Try this e-learning course provided by World Health Organization (WHO). Anyone who is interested can register for FREE. The WHO QualityRights e-learning course is available here and upon completion of the course, you will receive an official and personalized WHO QualityRights e-learning certificate.
Take time for your own Mental Health
Of course, you can’t promote something you’re not practicing on your own. It is important to be aware of your own mental health status, as well. Practice self-care and preserve your own mental health. Remember that it is okay to seek help. Do not be afraid to seek professional help or to refer someone who needs help to a professional.
May people all over the world remember that mental health is a human right. Everyone should start recognizing that mental health is equally important to physical health as we are closer to leaving the stigma behind who usually causes the problem.
Shirley Therapeutic and Consulting Services, LLC is a diverse therapy clinic that can meet the needs of anyone. If you’d like to talk about your own or your family member’s mental health, feel free to message us here or refer us to them.
References:
Asanbe, C., Gaba, A., & Yang, J. (n.d.). Mental health is a human right. American Psychological Association. Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/international/pi/2018/12/mental-health-rights.
Brock, C., Outline for a study group on World Health and the survival of the human race: Material drawn from articles and speeches (Geneva: World Health Organization, 1951). Available at https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/330666/MH.276.51-eng.pdf.
Cosgrove , L., & Shaughnessy, A. F. (2021, January 25). Mental health as a basic human right and the interference of commercialized science. Health and Human Rights Journal. Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.hhrjournal.org/2020/06/mental-health-as-a-basic-human-right-and-the-interference-of-commercialized-science/#_edn3.
How to raise mental health awareness? AURORA Behavioral Health. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.auroraarizona.com/node/2524.
Raise community awareness during mental health month. Community Reach Center. (2020, October 15). Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.communityreachcenter.org/blog/8-ways-can-raise-community-awareness-mental-health-month/.
World Health Organization. (2015). Mental health atlas 2014. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/178879
