On World Mental Health Day, The Lancet released a new report calling for radical action to end stigma and discrimination in mental health.
What does the report say?
- According to the report, 90% of people living with mental health conditions feel negatively impacted by stigma and discrimination.
- Further, 80% said stigma and discrimination can be worse than the condition itself.
- Additionally, 90% of those surveyed felt that media could play a major role in reducing stigma.
- As per the commission, stigma can “cause social exclusion and disempowerment of people with mental health conditions leading to discrimination and human rights violations, including problems in accessing healthcare, challenges in securing employment, and increased likelihood of health complications leading to early death”.
About ‘World Mental Health Day’ –
- World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10 wherein countries, governments and people speak about this very important aspect of the overall health of individuals.
- World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10, 1992, as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health. Initially, the day was celebrated without any prior set theme or curated agenda other than to talk about Mental Health in general.
- In 1994 for the first time, a theme for the day was used which was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.”
- The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is ‘Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority’.
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