World Health Organization
Recent years have witnessed increasing acknowledgement of the significance of mental health, as demonstrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals. Meanwhile, populations in public crises are burdened with much higher risks of mental disorders than we might have thought: approximately one in every five people in crisis-affected area suffers from depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Treatment, care, and effective emergency response are desperately needed, as access to them isn’t just about improving mental health – it can be a matter of survival.
Crises bring about challenges, so as long-term momentum for building better mental health systems. The situation is urging us to direct and coordinate global responses to these mental health issues, for integrated protection and overall well-being of all man kind.