Mental Health – 12 health lessons

Mental health, an essential component of health

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as ”a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (1)

“Mental health is fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life. On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health can be regarded as a vital concern of individuals, communities and societies throughout the world.” (1)

With demographic and epidemiological transitions, an ageing population and major changes in lifestyles, we can see that mental health is rising to the top of the list of major burdens for low- and middle-income countries, which are not always well prepared for these changes in the management of pathologies that are sometimes ignored or neglected by their populations. In addition, climate change and the resulting exceptional events are also a source of trauma, anxiety and/or imbalance, sometimes aggravated by addictive behaviour and/or withdrawal.

Mental health, an essential component of health

As a frontline healthcare professional, your role is essential

- in low- and middle-income countries, 76-85% of people with mental disorders are not treated (2)

- this leads to stigmatization, delayed diagnosis, and great suffering for patients and their families

- these patients, you see them in your your care facilities. These families, you know them. It is thanks to you that it will be possible to better prevent, identify and manage mental disorders.

Do not wait any longer, take an active role in mental health in your country, by taking part in this online training.

In order to provide psychological first aid, psychosocial support and follow-up mental health care, the immediate needs of a traumatized person are those of listening, comfort and advice to enable them to quickly reconnect with their surroundings and resume a more serene daily life. The intervention of health professionals is essential for this and the training and supervision of health workers to these diseases, the administration of treatments and medical monitoring of patients, as well as awareness sessions on mental disorders are important.