10-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) Around 260 million people, or roughly one in seven individuals in Southeast Asia, are living with a mental health condition, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) official. Dr. Andrea Bruni, WHO’s regional adviser for mental health in Southeast Asia, highlighted this alarming prevalence on Mental Health Day.
In the region, the treatment gap for mental health is striking, reaching up to 90% in some countries. This means that many individuals with mental health needs are not receiving appropriate and timely care. The prevailing stigma surrounding mental health further exacerbates the situation.
Dr. Bruni emphasized that the prevailing myth in the region is that individuals with mental health conditions should be confined to institutions or asylums. However, this is far from the reality, as community-based care and support are vital for their well-being.
He noted that change is slowly taking place, with greater involvement and empowerment of individuals with lived experiences and caregivers in shaping mental health policies and services.
This Mental Health Day, the WHO focuses on the universal right to good mental health, underlining the importance of mental wellness and protection of human rights. Despite global stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate crises, there is a lack of investment in mental health services.
The experts call for increased resources and investment in mental health. Furthermore, they advocate for community-based healthcare networks as a means of reducing stigma and improving access to mental health services.
Mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety, remain among the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. Youth and adolescents, influenced by factors like social media, are increasingly affected by these disorders.
Suicide is a critical concern, with around 200,000 people in the Southeast Asian region losing their lives to suicide every year. The WHO suggests concrete interventions like managing individuals with suicidal thoughts, promoting responsible reporting of suicide in the media, building emotional life skills among youths, and regulating access to pesticides, which are a common means of suicide.
Dr. Bruni stressed that suicide is preventable but challenging to address, making it a serious public health challenge that demands attention.
