This is the clear and direct message chosen as the motto for the commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2023 (October 10). In Chile, this date finds social concern about the issue on the rise: mental health is the main health problem that people face (63% of those interviewed), and there is also an increase in concern about health mental health ranging from 50% in 2020 to 62% by 2022 of people (Global Health Monitor. IPSOS, 2022).
In this context, how can we understand the invitation to include mental health as a universal right for our country?
The first thing that will appear in mind is the right to access medical, psychological and rehabilitation treatments, implemented promptly and under adequate quality standards. Our country still has the challenge of improving access and coverage of treatments, both in the public and private systems.
However, mental health is not just treatments.
Mental health as a right is the promotion of people’s general well-being. It is not possible to conceive a right like this without including the economic conditions of people, their educational/work environments, the environment or living spaces. Progress is made in promotion when all public policies include the impact that their actions will have on mental health. For this reason, Chile has important challenges to address at this point.
Mental health as a right is prevention of the appearance of problems of this type. The actions for this can be deployed by the people themselves, their communities, health centers, work and/or educational environments and many more. Our country has developed an important milestone with the emergence of the *4141 suicide prevention hotline, where people in crisis can go quickly and safely to receive professional support.
Mental health as a right is rehabilitation and unrestricted respect for the rights of people who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. We still need to advance national actions that promote the reduction of stigma and promote respect for rights in all events.
Mental health as a right is to advance in regulatory aspects that guarantee the aforementioned promotion, prevention, treatments and rehabilitation. Hence, the authorities’ announcement of the upcoming presentation to Congress of a comprehensive mental health law is good news. The role of legislators will be important in achieving expeditious agreements that listen to the aforementioned social concern.
The arguments presented are not new. They have been the banner of struggle for mental health workers, NGOs, activists, technical organizations, family members and service users. Today, when the issue is on the “social radar”, it seems like a good time for a joint effort in pursuit of concrete agreements that allow progress towards common societal minimums around mental health.
The content expressed in this opinion column is the exclusive responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of The counter.
2023-10-14 06:17:57
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