One in four individuals will be directly impacted by mental illness in their lifetime, according to research conducted by the World Health Organization. These numbers demonstrate the universality of the difficulties associated with mental health.
The United States is at the forefront of a global movement to raise awareness of the critical importance of mental health. Despite the importance placed on mental health on a worldwide scale, there are significant discrepancies in how other nations tackle the issue.
So, how do other nations approach mental health care? Just a few examples of countries with various perspectives and experiences with this developing problem are shown below.
China
China has a long way to go in providing adequate treatment for its inhabitants suffering from mental illness compared to the rest of the world.
In reality, China has the world’s second-highest disease burden from mental illness. In addition, a paper titled “Development and Challenges of Mental Health in China” published in the Journal of General Psychiatry reports that the incidence of mental problems in adults is a staggering 17.5%.
China’s National Planning Guideline for the Healthcare Service System advocated for “the treatment and care of patients with significant mental illnesses, enhancement of mental health services and systems, and the spread of mental health education” as immediate actions to better the situation.
According to the China Briefing article “The Mental Healthcare Industry in China,” one of the primary goals of this planning document is to ensure that 40,000 psychiatrists (and assistant psychiatrists) are licensed by the year 2020.
So, China has achieved some delayed but beneficial advances for its people despite the challenges surrounding mental health, such as stigma, a lack of industry specialists, and inadequate training/education requirements.
United States
In any given year, around 20% of adult Americans may suffer from a mental health condition, as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Americans, who are known for their high standards of achievement and quick pace of life, have a negative attitude about mental health and are less likely to seek help for it.
However, recent research is beginning to suggest that millennials are more proactive than prior generations when it comes to addressing their mental health and overall emotional well-being.
More and more famous people in the United States are speaking out on the importance of self-care, mental health, and general wellness, creating a more positive and preventative climate.
Brazil
Lack of treatment options and a lack of accessible mental health facilities are two of Brazil’s biggest problems. Still, there is a widespread deficiency in mental health treatment that goes beyond these isolated incidents.
In fact, although there are about 5 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in the Southeast, there are fewer than 1 per 100,000 people in the Northeast, as reported by the International Journal of Mental Health Systems. The availability of psychiatric nurses is inadequate worldwide.
The government has gone so far as to establish a Return Home program and increase the number of Psychosocial Community Centers in an effort to deinstitutionalize long-term mental patients.
The gap between people in terms of access to services, however, remains enormous despite these developments. The entire public is similarly vulnerable to treatment gaps caused by financial constraints.
Overall, substantial policy change is needed to ensure that the people of Brazil have access to high-quality mental health care services in order for development to take place.
Australia
When it comes to ensuring that its residents have access to quality mental health services, Australia has taken a number of major and proactive measures.
Australia’s mental health system stands out in several ways, one of which is its emphasis on outpatient services rather than institutionalization.
In fact, due to this extraordinary change, the number of people receiving hospitalization dropped to an all-time low. Overall, their effort has substantially contributed to lessening the mental health global issue.
India
There are presently more than a billion people living in India. As many as 200 million individuals in India, or one in five, may experience depression at some point in their lives, according to research published by the World Health Organization in 2015.
Experts at the World Economic Forum say that “just 10-12% of these suffering will seek care” because of the stigma associated with mental illness, a lack of understanding, and restricted access to professional help.
The cultural landscape of India is extremely rich and diverse. And yet, the cultural and religious stigma of mental illness is universally ingrained.
In fact, according to a survey conducted in conjunction with the World Economic Forum, 87% of respondents had at least a passing familiarity with mental illness, while 71% used highly stigmatizing language.
In spite of the progress made by groups like Live Laugh Love, mental health stigmas continue to pose the greatest danger to the people of India.
How Can Raising Awareness Benefit Mental Health?
Awareness of your mental wellness benefits more than just you. Your loved ones, acquaintances, and coworkers may benefit from you gaining a deeper understanding of mental health conditions as well.
The following paragraphs will discuss three of the primary reasons why it is so vital to raise awareness about mental health:
Gain an Understanding of Your Symptoms
Many individuals who are struggling with issues related to their mental health are unaware that their difficulties are the consequence of untreated problems in their minds.
Therefore, having an understanding of mental health might be useful in helping you to comprehend the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Even though the symptoms of each mental illness are distinct from one another, here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Appetite loss
- Irresponsible decision making
- During times of stress, turning to substances like alcohol or narcotics
- Having suicidal ideas
If you haven’t been feeling like yourself recently, you may have a problem with your mental health that requires care as soon as possible.
After all, the signs and symptoms of mental health issues can pose a significant threat to not just your mental health but also your physical well-being as well.
More Resources for Mental and Behavioral Health
Another important advantage of raising awareness about mental health is that it will result in a greater supply of resources for treating mental illness as more individuals become aware of the necessity of receiving treatment for mental illness.
People would not be able to recuperate if they did not have access to mental health resources.
The following are the most significant resources for mental health:
- Hospitals for mental health care
- Programs in the Field of Behavioral Health
- Medical detoxification from alcohol and drugs
- Treatment for mental illness on an inpatient basis.
You will have access to all of the tools you require to recover from mental health illnesses, heal from co-occurring disorders, and learn techniques to maintain your health after your time in treatment has concluded if you get care at a hospital that specializes in mental health.
Additionally, resources for mental health, such as crisis intervention services, can keep you safe so that you are able to continue through the treatment process.
Stop the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Most significantly, raising awareness about mental health can help eliminate the shame associated with seeking treatment for mental health issues. It is not the same thing as being “mad” if you suffer from mental health conditions.
In point of fact, millions of people around the country are affected by issues related to their mental health. You are not alone, and you will come to recognize this with increased knowledge and the appropriate treatment for your mental health needs.
Having assistance for your mental health brings you one step closer to recovering from your mental illness.
7 Canadian Mental Health Charities
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Over the course of a year, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 11,000 volunteers and employees help 1.3 million Canadians. People with mental illness and their families can take use of their many services and receive help from them.
Youth Mental Health Canada
The mission of Youth Mental Health Canada is to promote positive mental health among young Canadians by educating the public and advocating for change.
As such, they push for more money to be allocated toward healthcare and education
programs that provide innovative support and services based on individual needs. They’re on a mission to improve juvenile mental health services and public understanding of the issue.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health conducts cutting-edge studies that expand our understanding of these two pressing health issues. (CAMH)
In addition to providing clinical treatment to over 34,000 patients annually, they also provide skills training to healthcare professionals.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario
In order to ensure that children, youth, and their families have access to a comprehensive and effective mental health treatment system, Children’s Mental Health Ontario works to improve that system.
Their mission is to ensure that Ontario’s children who require mental health care receive the resources they need and the attention they deserve from the provincial government.
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services
For people who have serious and ongoing problems with their mental health or with substances, the BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services are there to help.
To make sure that everyone in British Columbia has access to quality mental health and addiction treatment, they collaborate with regional health authorities.