ISSUE 22: WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2023: MENTAL HEALTH IS A UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT
Message from Editor in Chief
As we commemorate Mental Health Day in the month of October, we find ourselves at an important crossroad. The mental health crisis, once shrouded in silence and stigma, now stands at the forefront of our collective consciousness. The time for change is now, and it begins with each of us. Mental Health Day serves as a global reminder of the vital need for dialogue, understanding, and action. It is a call to address the invisible wounds that affect millions worldwide, transcending borders, cultures, and age groups. This month is not just about acknowledging the challenges; it's a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals who confront these challenges every day.
This year’s theme of the World Mental Health Day, Mental Health is a Universal Human Right, calls for WHO, Member States and partners to accelerate efforts in mental health in a human-rights based approach. Recognizing that mental health is a universal human right is acknowledging the relationship between mental health and the overall quality of life. Despite mental health being vital to our overall health and well-being, one in seven people are living with mental health conditions in our region. Mental, neurological and substance use disorders and self-harm (MNSS) accounts for 23% of all the years lived with disability (YLD) in this Region. Anxiety and depressive disorders were the commonest conditions among both men and women, contributing to almost 50% of the total number of people living with mental disorders in the South Asian Region. Awareness and education are essential, but they must lead to action. Governments, healthcare institutions, and organizations must prioritize mental health services. This includes increasing funding for mental health programs, ensuring that services are accessible to all, and addressing the shortage of mental health professionals. Safe spaces should be created for conversations, encouraging open dialogue, and educating ourselves and others about the realities of mental health. Research is the driving force behind policy change, destigmatization, and the expansion of mental health services. Evidence based data on mental health interventions should be generated to suggest the best strategies to reduce burden of mental disorders in Pakistan.
This issue of She Matters is a special issue on Mental Health with the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”. In this issue, we bring you interview of Psychologist Zara Mahin Wasti. This issue focuses on public health approaches for mental health. The issue also gives insights of mental health crisis in Pakistan. The issue also highlights the need of resilience in the digital age. I would like to acknowledge that launching this issue would not have been possible without the great and much appreciated contributions from the editorial and technical team. The robust intellectual support and well time contribution of content writers deserve special appreciatory applause. Our team expects similar sort of sincere dedication from the writers in near future. Enjoy reading the issue!