Mental disorders and depression affect all populations. WHO publishes recommendations to ensure their right to dignity on a daily basis.
On the occasion of Mental Health Day which was celebrated this Sunday, WHO recalls the need to offer quality support to patients, and give them real prospects of integration into social life.
Indeed, it is the “right to dignity” that has been retained as the main theme of this day. WHO observes that in many countries, mental disorders are accompanied by mistreatment, discrimination, marginalization or barriers to accessing education and employment. The organization therefore details measures to improve these sometimes dramatic situations.
Strengthen the role of the community
For people who live in rural and / or isolated areas, access to healthcare is often akin to an obstacle course. In the case of mental health, the problem is even more serious, because the structures able to take care of them do not always exist, and the medical staff are not always trained on the subject.
WHO therefore stresses the importance of the community and the local environment. People with mental disorders who do not have healthcare near them must be able to count on those around them, as well as on the nearest medical services.
The priority is therefore the training and sensitization of all these actors, and the development of community health services capable of responding to mental health issues. It is important that the community is educated on the consequences of mental problems, to avoid stigmatization of the sick.
The QualityRights
At the origin of community training programs, the QualityRights, a project that works to promote the dignity of patients around the world. The integration of people with mental disorders into professional life is also at the heart of this work.
In this context, WHO leads advocacy actions with health professionals, governments and families of patients, so that they are heard at the political level and to change the legislative framework of the countries.
On depression in particular, the WHO believes that efforts must be stepped up. The disease affects 350 million people and is the leading cause of disability in the world according to the WHO. Better support its people to keep them in the working world is a priority work axis for the QualityRights project. In developing countries in particular, this does not mean better access to antidepressants and health centers.
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