The global challenge for mental health trends begins as a lack of investment in mental health leaves millions without access to services

The global challenge on social networks to move the world in the field of mental health was launched today with a call for a massive increase in investment in mental health.

On the eve of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the World Health Organization, in collaboration with United for Global Mental Health and the World Mental Health Federation, encourages people from all countries to support a global movement calling for greater investment in mental health.

The #MoveforMentalHealth challenge requires people around the world to post videos on their favorite social media platforms showing what they are doing in support of their mental well-being ̶ whether it’s dancing, walking, yoga, cooking, painting or something else. , using the hashtag #MoveForMentalHealth.

Social media platforms such as Tick-Tock, Facebook and Instagram support the #MoveforMentalHealth challenge and help launch broader conversations about mental health and the importance of investing.

Messenger applications also provide support. On World Mental Health Day, WHO will launch a digital guide to stress management on the Whatsapp chat platform. Based on a stress management guide Do what is important in times of stress, the digital guide includes short, easy-to-follow guided exercises that help reduce stress. In addition, Messenger will launch a new sticker package designed with WHO support, to facilitate mental health talks.

“As we continue to live through the global pandemic, we need a shift in mental health, perhaps more than we have ever needed before,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We need to advocate for our mental health, the mental health of our families, friends and colleagues, and more importantly, so that there is a massive increase in investment in mental health services nationally and internationally.”

The size of the mental health burden facing the world does not match the investment required. The remarkable increase in mental health needs ̶ with the additional challenges of COVID-19 ̶ is taking its toll on already overburdened and underfunded mental health services. Countries spend on average only 2% of their health budgets on mental health. Despite some increases in recent years, international development assistance for mental health has never exceeded 1% of all development assistance for health.

“Our world was not set to respond to the growing needs of mental health before COVID-19, and certainly not now. That is why we need the world more than ever to move towards mental health, and as individuals, communities, companies, governments and donors, we must prioritize mental health activities and investments, ”said Elisha London, CEO and Founder of United. Global mental health.

Nearly a billion people globally have a mental disorder, and those with severe mental disorders die 10-20 years earlier than the general population. Suicide takes the lives of close to 800,000 people each year ̶ 1 person every 40 seconds ̶ and is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 29 years. Relatively few people worldwide have access to quality mental health services, especially in low- and middle-income countries where more than 75% of people with mental, neurological, and drug-related disorders do not treat their condition at all.

“Mental health is affected by many factors and circumstances. It affects everything, poverty, equality and development,” which is why we need to ensure greater investment and greater access to mental health for all, “said Dr. Ingrid Daniels, president of the World Federation for Mental Health.

Other events held around this year’s World Mental Health Day include:

A great event for mental health

On World Mental Health Day (Saturday, October 10), the WHO invites the global community to participate in A great event for mental health, an unprecedented online advocacy event that will require greater investment in mental health at all levels.

Great event is free and open to the public and will be broadcast on October 10 from 16:00 to 19:00 CEST on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn channels and the WHO website. Visit updated information about the big event, including the latest performance setup and attendees the Great Event website. To learn more about World Mental Health Day, visit WHO campaign page.

The world’s first virtual mental health march

The world’s first virtual mental health march will air from October 9-10, and over 24 hours, mental health professionals, negotiators, advocates and people with experience from more than 17 countries will share their stories as part of a global momentum to launch change and investment in mental health globally. For more information and to register and join the March visit www.marchformentalhealth.com

Great celebration

The Global Mental Health Festival’20 organized by the World Mental Health Federation will bring together people from different communities, age groups, organizations and institutions from around the world. The stage will be open to different perspectives to merge and consolidate, promoting the essence of unity and solidarity as we work together to establish mental well-being as our universal right. More information from www.wmhd2020.com

Note: To access the stress management guide on Whatsapp, click here

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization provides global leadership in public health within the United Nations system. Founded in 1948, the WHO works with 194 member states, in six regions and from more than 150 offices, to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. WHO goals for the period 2019-2023. They ensure that a billion more people have universal health insurance, protect a billion more people from emergencies and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being. @WHO

United for Global Mental Health

The Global Mental Health Association brings together the global mental health community with governments, donors and campaigns to ensure that everyone anywhere has someone to turn to in support of their mental health. The non-profit organization was launched at the UN in September 2018. www.unitedgmh.org @UnitedGMH

World Federation for Mental Health

The World Federation for Mental Health is an international membership organization established in 1948 to promote, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of persons with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. The federation was the initiator of World Mental Health Day. https://wfmh.global/ @WMHDay