150 million people
are in need of active intervention (NMHS, 2016).
There are five key barriers to increasing mental health services availability.
Mental Illness is
not a choice but, Recovery is.
The WHO outlines five key barriers that hinder the availability of mental health services the world over. These are:
- “the absence of mental health from the public health agenda and the implications for funding;
- the current organization of mental health services;
- lack of integration within primary care;
- inadequate human resources for mental health;
- Lack of public mental health leadership.” (WHO)
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health is as important as physical health and makes up a very important part of a person’s overall well-being.
The World health Organisation constitution states:
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
Like good physical health, good mental health helps us live a fuller life.
Good mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her abilities and potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to his or her community.
Mental well-being is fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life. On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health should be regarded as a vital concern of individuals, communities and societies
throughout the world.
Then what is mental health?
WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make contribution to his or her community.
“Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems, with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterized by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Examples are schizophrenia, depression, intellectual disabilities and disorders due to drug abuse. Most of these disorders can be successfully treated.”
Just like a chemical change in the pancreas causes diabetes, a chemical change in the brain causes mental illness. It can happen to anyone, of any age, class, sex or background. It is important, however, to know that mental illness is treatable.
In the area of mental health, Sambandh is dedicated to understanding mental illness and addressing mental health. Our goals are to build the capacity of people living with mental illness and their families, to educate the public about mental health and illness and to advocate for improved treatment and community supports.