Defining Mental Health
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects cognition, perception, and behavior, influencing how individuals handle stress, make decisions, and interact with others.
Understanding Disorders
Mental health disorders are conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, and daily functioning. They include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others.
WHO's Stance
The World Health Organization recognizes mental health disorders as major contributors to the global burden of disease. It advocates for equal access to mental health care worldwide.
Global Impact
Mental health disorders affect 1 in 4 people globally at some point in their lives. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, says the WHO.
Stigma and Health
Stigma surrounding mental health disorders often prevents individuals from seeking help. WHO campaigns against this, promoting awareness and understanding to reduce stigma.
Treatment Gap
Globally, nearly two-thirds of persons with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional, partly due to stigma, discrimination, and neglect.
WHO's Response
The WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aims to scale up services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
What does mental health influence?
Only emotional well-being
Cognition, perception, behavior
Just social interactions
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