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In a world where we talk about the rights of every person, there’s one aspect that often gets overlooked – mental health. The Mental Health Foundation has set the topic of ‘Mental health is a universal human right’ for World Mental Health Day 2023, stating that it’s time we acknowledge that mental wellbeing is as fundamental as any other human right.
The Quiet Struggles
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Poor mental health is an invisible battle fought by millions in silence. Even though it affects individuals, families, and communities profoundly, it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves as a human right.
The Everyday Value
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Let’s get this straight: mental health isn’t just about not having a mental illness. It’s about being able to live life to the full, handling life’s ups and downs, working, and contributing to our communities. Just like we all need good physical health to lead happy lives, mental health is equally important.
Breaking Stigmas
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One big step towards creating a world with good mental health for all is smashing the stigmas surrounding it. Discrimination against people with mental health issues has gone on for too long. We need societies where people can ask for help without being judged. Our Management Skills to Promote and Support Good Mental Health workshops for managers equip your managers to address the stigma around mental health and effectively support good mental health at work. While our wellbeing workshops are designed to give your people the skills they need to reduce and remove the stigma around mental health at work. It’s all about making work a friendlier and more caring place.
Access to Help
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Another key part of making mental health a human right is making sure everyone can get the support they need. That means not only treatment for mental illnesses but also prevention, education, and overall care for our mental wellbeing. No one should be denied the help they need to maintain their mental health. This is exactly why we provide wellbeing assessments and one-on-one support designed to assist individuals and create a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings.
Supporting Vulnerable Groups
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Some may be facing more mental health challenges than others, and they may be hiding their truth, for example, those experiencing domestic abuse. If we truly believe that mental health is a human right, we’ve got to make sure these people get the extra support and care they need.
CPSL Mind, a mental health charity, is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from mental health challenges and advocating against the stigma and discrimination often faced by those with mental health conditions. I recently did a 25km Ultra Challenge in the Chilterns to help raise awareness and funds of the work they do. If you’d like to contribute and help brighten someone’s day, you can donate by clicking this link.
Teaching and Spreading the Word
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Education is one way to make mental health a universal right. By teaching everyone about mental health from an early age, we can reduce the shame and misunderstanding that often surround it. This way, we can all look out for each other better. Our mental health workshops are designed to do just that – reduce stigma, encourage early help, and share important insights into mental health. It’s a chance to learn and make a positive impact on the people around us.
Government and World Action
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Governments and international groups have a big part to play in making mental health a human right. They should make policies that support mental health, put money into mental health care, and make sure everyone, no matter who they are, gets the help they need. But it’s worth mentioning that in some areas, funding for social care, including mental health services, has been drastically reduced. This can make it hard to provide the necessary help. To make mental health a human right, governments should not only have good policies but also invest enough money to ensure these services are effective and accessible to all.
A Plea for Change
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Mental health isn’t a luxury for a select few. It’s a basic right for every single person. Let’s break the silence, make sure everyone can get the help they need, support those who need it most, teach our kids about mental health, and hold our governments accountable.
In a world that cares about fairness, justice, and the worth of every person, let’s stand up and say it out loud: mental health is a human right that we should all respect, protect, and value. It’s time to build a world where everyone can live a life full of mental wellbeing, free from judgment, and full of hope.
