World Mental Health Day 2023: Advocating for Mental Health as a Universal Right- Dr Niti Sapru

As a psychiatrist with a deep commitment to mental health, I am compelled to emphasize the significance of World Mental Health Day, which has been observed every year since 1992 on October 10.

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health in our lives and the collective responsibility we share to ensure that it is recognized as a universal human right. This year, World Mental Health Day holds even more significance as we mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1948.

During the week from October 4th to 10th, organizations and institutions worldwide come together to celebrate Mental Health Week. These events are organized by the theme designated by the WFMH, and for 2023, the theme is strikingly clear: "Mental health is a universal human right."This theme resonates deeply with the core principles of mental health advocacy and underscores the fundamental importance of mental well-being for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

It is imperative to recognize that mental health holds the same weight as physical health in the realm of fundamental human rights. Globally, one in eight people is living with a mental health condition that significantly impacts their quality of life. In many instances, these conditions also contribute to the overall burden of disease and disability in society. The prevalence of mental health challenges underscores the urgent need to prioritize mental health as a universal human right, accessible to all.

One of the critical aspects of addressing mental health is to acknowledge that mental illnesses should never be a reason to deprive individuals of their basic rights. Unfortunately, this deprivation occurs far too often, perpetuating stigmatization and discrimination against those living with mental health conditions. It is our collective responsibility to challenge and change these harmful perceptions and practices that perpetuate inequality.

In recent years, psychiatry has made significant strides in understanding the biological underpinnings of mental health. We now recognize that many mental health symptoms originate in the intricate network of neural transmissions within the brain, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems. However, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the role of adverse socioeconomic conditions in contributing to mental health distress and disease.

Poverty, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to conflict-ridden environments, traumatic experiences, marginalization, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare services, including mental health services, all play a substantial role in the emergence of mental health challenges. These external factors have a biological impact, manifesting as conditions such as PTSD and stress reactions, affecting the brain's intricate circuits.

One alarming phenomenon that underscores the importance of addressing mental health as a universal human right is transgenerational trauma. Severe adversity experienced by one generation can leave lasting effects on the next through epigenetic mechanisms, perpetuating the cycle of emotional distress and mental health challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the devastating consequences of inadequate access to healthcare and economic hardships on mental health. This crisis highlighted how seemingly invisible disparities in access to mental healthcare can have profound effects on individuals and communities.

Unlike observable traumatic events like a pandemic, the denial of the basic right to mental health often occurs silently within society. It is our collective endeavour to raise awareness of this discrepancy and work toward creating more platforms for addressing mental health disparities. We must strive to ameliorate the gap in the universal right to mental health, ensuring that every individual has access to the mental health support and care they deserve.

In conclusion, as we commemorate World Mental Health Day in 2023, it is imperative to recognize that mental health is indeed a universal human right. We must advocate for mental health parity, challenge stigmatization, and work tirelessly to create a world where mental well-being is accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. As a consultant psychiatrist, I am committed to this cause, and I urge everyone to join us in this vital mission for a mentally healthier world.