World Mental Health Day is commemorated on October 10, with the aim of reminding us that mental health is a universal human right and raising awareness about the various mental health issues faced by people around the world.
We all have the right to good mental health
Mental health is a basic human right for everyone. All people, regardless of who they are or where they are, have the right to enjoy the highest possible level of mental health, including the right to be protected from risks to mental health; the right to available, accessible, dignified, and quality care; and the right to freedom, independence, and integration into their social environment.
Good mental health is essential to our overall health and well-being. However, one in eight people worldwide experience mental health problems, which can impact their physical health, well-being, relationships with others, and livelihoods. In addition, more and more adolescents and young people are experiencing mental health problems.
No one should be deprived of their human rights or excluded from decisions about their own health because they have a mental health problem. Yet around the world, these individuals continue to have their human rights limited in various ways. For example, some are discriminated against and excluded from community life, while others do not have access to the mental health services they need or receive care that does not respect their human rights.
9 facts about mental health as a universal human right
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking into account 9 fundamental facts about mental health:
- Good mental health is an integral part of our overall health and well-being.
Good mental health enables us to cope with challenges, connect with others, and move forward in life. It is vital and deserves to be recognized and respected.
- Mental disorders are a major threat to the well-being of young people.
Mental disorders affect one in seven adolescents worldwide. In addition, depression is emerging as the leading cause of illness and disability among adolescents.
- High-quality community mental health services and support are crucial for all of us.
Mental health and well-being are fundamental to living a good and meaningful life. It is vital to ensure that everyone has access to community mental health services and support. In particular, access to mental health support and resources in the early years of life can make a real difference to the health and well-being of young people and adults later in life.
- Mental health is a human right.
Human rights are universal and serve to promote and protect people’s right to dignity, autonomy, and inclusion in the community.
- We must tackle the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health.
We all have the right to live our lives free from stigma and discrimination in places such as school and the workplace.
- Recognizing mental health as a universal human right empowers people to stand up for their rights and those of the people around them.
If people are not aware of their human rights, they cannot defend them. Including people who have experienced mental health issues in mental health decision-making can positively influence new policies, laws, and service planning and be guided by their experience.
- Everyone has the right to access quality mental health care.
Since mental health is a universal human right, we all have the right to access quality treatment that meets our needs and respects our rights throughout our lives.
- We all have the right to live independently and be included in the community.
People should have access to good mental health services, as well as education, income generation, housing opportunities, and social support that enable them to live independently and be included in their communities.
- Each person’s mind is wonderful, complex, and different. But our rights are the same.
Knowing your mental health rights will enable you to stand up for what is right, for yourself and for others.
