Integrate mental health support into broader health, social care: UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the United Nations is committed to working with partners to promote mental wellbeing, noting that nearly 1 billion people live with a mental health condition.

"As we mark World Mental Health Day, let us make it a global priority and act urgently so that everyone, everywhere has access to quality mental health care," he said in a message marking World Mental Health Day, being observed Monday (October 10).

Guterres said mental health remains one of the most neglected aspects of healthcare.

"Some countries have only two mental health workers for every 1,00,000 people," he said, adding that the social and economic repercussions are profound.

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Anxiety and depression alone cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year, Guterres said.

"We must strengthen the capacity of health services to offer quality care to those in need, in particular young people," said the UN chief.

This includes, he said, community-based services and integrating support for mental health into broader health and social care.

Investing in mental wellbeing means investing in healthy and prosperous communities, Guterres said.

"We must also address stigma and discrimination – and break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking care and support," said the UN chief, adding: "We must prevent the root causes of mental health conditions, including violence and abuse."