WHO Mental Health Report
WHO’s new World Mental Health Report identifies a transformative process needed to ensure better mental health for all. It offers an in-depth assessment of the current global mental health situation and a critical and well-documented reflexion on progress achieved and failures registered, including those related to social determinants.
A major challenge is that despite pockets of progress over the past decade, global spending on mental health remains insufficient, inequitably distributed and inefficiently used. It also continues to be concentrated in stand-alone psychiatric hospitals rather than community-based mental health services where people are best served.
Who is the report for?
The Report is a must see for anyone concerned about the state of our nation’s security apparatus. The film is based on the true story of Daniel Jones (Adam Driver) and his quest to uncover the truth about the CIA’s use of enhanced interrogation techniques post-9/11. The film is a roustabout for the senses and features a bevy of high caliber actors including Annette Bening, who was tapped to play the role of Jones’ superior. Unlike most films in this genre, The Report is not your standard run of the mill fare. Thankfully, director Michael Burns takes the time to educate his audience about the nuances of this tale. It’s not always easy to do the right thing when you’re in the midst of a tumultuous political climate. Fortunately, The Report offers a glimpse into the minds of the men and women who make the tough decisions on our behalf. It is also a good reminder that the power to protect us all is in our hands.
What is the report about?
Mental health, neurological and substance abuse disorders are a significant contributor to disease burden, disability and poverty worldwide. They impose huge health and economic costs, as well as stigmas, discrimination and social marginalisation.
The WHO report outlines a roadmap for governments, academics, health professionals and civil society to support the world in transforming its approach to mental health. It aims to inspire and inform the indisputable and urgent transformation needed for better mental health globally.
It focuses on three interdependent pillars: mental health value, changing environments for better mental health and improving mental health services. It argues that, through focusing on these issues, profound mental health transformation can be achieved.
The WHO report is written for decision makers and advocates at all levels, in health ministries, universities, civil society, private sector, policy research institutions, and other relevant organisations. It is based on evidence and on the voices of people with lived experience of mental health conditions.
What is the report trying to achieve?
The who mental health report is about a vision for a world where everyone has access to the best possible care. That means transforming our existing system so that all Americans are fully included, receive the care they need and deserve, and can get help when they need it.
The new system must be consumer and family centered, recovery-oriented and evidence-based. That will mean identifying, testing, and disseminating promising treatments and approaches to care in a way that is sensitive to America’s diversity and preferences.
To deliver that transformation, the nation must replace a model of isolated, stand-alone psychiatric hospitals with community services. This requires embedding and co-locating mental health and substance use providers in communities where people already live, work, play, and worship.
