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World Mental Health Day

by Savitha C Muppala on Oct 10 2008 10:47 AM
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October 10, 2008

World Mental Health Day falls on October 10, 2008. The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) focuses on attracting worldwide attention on burning global mental health issues through education, information, active support and resources, which forms the main theme of this year’s campaign.

The cornerstone of World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) campaign includes prevention of mental health disorders amid the backdrop of cultural and geographical barriers. The objectives seek to cut the rates of mental, emotional and psychological disorders by altering the conditions which promote mental ill health.

The WFMH will address the issue in two ways – one, a collective approach which caters to the public at large, and two, a more specialized approach to those at high risk. Undoubtedly, it is a time of reckoning TO ACT FAST AND NOW to improve mental healthcare worldwide.

Impediments to Mental Health Services

Paucity of resources and its uneven distribution worldwide have been recognized as core barriers to mental health services.

Most of the mental health services are easily available only in urban locations. Many sections of society who reside away from urban areas are deprived of access to proper mental healthcare services. WFMH initiatives this year seek to improve mental health facilities, especially in deprived areas.

2008 Action Plan for WFMH 

  • Improve organization of mental health services.
  • Address paucity of human resources for mental health services.
  • Improve distribution of mental health resources and ensure its proper use.
  • Target prevention of mental health disorders.
  • To assist developing nations plagued by increasing numbers of mental health problems.
  • To remove the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
  • To reduce the incidences of mental health disorders by improving facilities and living environment.
  • To increase awareness, spread information, and enable training to the public about mental health and its significance.
Making the world a better place

The distressed mentally ill need support not discriminatory treatment. Let’s endeavor to make a world of difference to those in the grips of mental health disorders, with empathy, compassion and unflinching support. Let the world be full of hope and promise even for those whose chips are down!

Source-Medindia
SAVITHA/L


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