December 10 marks Human Rights Day, an annual reminder of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948, which affirms the inalienable rights of every individual (United Nations, n.d.). As we reflect on the progress made and challenges ahead, it’s essential to spotlight a critical yet often overlooked intersection: mental health and human rights.
Mental Health as a Fundamental Human Right
The right to mental health is enshrined in Article 25 of the UDHR, which guarantees everyone “the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being… including medical care” (United Nations, 1948). However, achieving mental health as a human right requires more than access to care. It involves dismantling stigma, ensuring equitable treatment, and safeguarding the dignity of those experiencing mental health challenges.
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) explicitly recognized mental health as integral to the right to health, emphasizing the importance of prevention, access to quality care, and the empowerment of individuals to participate in decisions about their treatment (World Health Organization, n.d.). Yet, millions of people worldwide face barriers to this right, including systemic discrimination, lack of resources, and restrictive laws.
The Global Landscape: A Crisis of Injustice
Globally, mental health disparities highlight a stark reality: while the burden of mental illness is immense, resources allocated to address it remain insufficient. According to WHO, nearly 1 billion people live with a mental health condition, yet mental health budgets often constitute less than 2% of total health spending in many countries (WHO, n.d.). This underfunding perpetuates cycles of neglect and inequality.
Marginalized groups bear the brunt of these injustices. For example:
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Displacement, trauma, and the challenges of resettlement put refugees at heightened risk for mental health conditions (Grasser, 2022). However, they often face legal and systemic barriers to accessing care.
- Indigenous Communities: Historical oppression and systemic discrimination contribute to disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, including suicide, among Indigenous populations worldwide (Smye et al., 2023).
- LGBTQ+ Individuals: Pervasive stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities significantly impact mental health outcomes, often leaving them with limited support systems (Sileo et al., 2022).
Breaking the Stigma: A Rights-Based Approach
The stigma surrounding mental health often leads to discrimination, isolation, and neglect, effectively silencing those in need. A rights-based approach to mental health underscores that everyone has the right to live free from discrimination, including on the basis of mental health status (WHO, 2021).
This approach demands that governments and organizations:
- Promote Awareness: Public campaigns can challenge harmful stereotypes and foster environments where individuals feel safe seeking help (WHO, 2021).
- Strengthen Policies: National policies must explicitly protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions, prohibiting discrimination in healthcare, employment, and education (WHO, 2021).
- Ensure Accessibility: Mental health services must be affordable, geographically accessible, and culturally sensitive to address the diverse needs of populations (WHO, 2021).
Advancing Dignity Through Mental Health Care
Providing equitable mental health care is not just a health issue—it’s a matter of dignity and justice. At Grit Psychology, we advocate for care that:
- Respects Autonomy: Treatment should honor individual preferences and promote informed decision-making.
- Addresses Social Determinants: Factors such as housing, employment, and education significantly impact mental health. Integrating social support into care can improve outcomes.
- Fosters Inclusion: Creating inclusive spaces where diverse identities and experiences are celebrated can reduce the isolation often felt by those struggling with mental health issues.
Taking Action on Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is a call to action. We must work collectively to bridge the gap between mental health and human rights. This means advocating for policies that prioritize mental health funding, creating community-based support systems, and empowering individuals to stand against stigma.
As individuals, we can:
- Educate Ourselves: Learn about mental health rights and the barriers faced by marginalized communities.
- Amplify Voices: Support organizations and initiatives led by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges.
- Challenge Injustice: Speak out against discriminatory practices in your community, workplace, or government.
Conclusion
Mental health and human rights are deeply intertwined. By recognizing mental health as a fundamental human right, we can build a world where dignity, justice, and inclusion prevail. This Human Rights Day, let’s commit to creating a future where everyone—regardless of their mental health status—can thrive.
Together, we can champion a society that uplifts the well-being of all its members. At Grit Psychology, we’re here to support this vision. Let’s make mental health equity a reality, one step at a time.
References
Grasser, L. R. (2022). Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Refugees and Displaced Populations: Is Enough Being Done? Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 15, 909-922. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S270233
Sileo, K. M., Baldwin, A., Huynh, T. A., Olfers, A., Woo, J., Greene, S. L., Casillas, G. L., & Taylor, B. S. (2022). Assessing LGBTQ+ stigma among healthcare professionals: An application of the health stigma and discrimination framework in a qualitative, community-based participatory research study. Journal of Health Psychology, 27(9), 2181–2196. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053211027652
Smye, V., Browne, A. J., Josewski, V., Keith, B., & Mussell, W. (2023). Social suffering: Indigenous peoples’ experiences of accessing mental health and substance use services. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3288. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043288
United Nations. (n.d.). History of the declaration. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/udhr/history-of-the-declaration
United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response#:~:text=It%20is%20an%20integral%20component%20of%20health%20and,is%20crucial%20to%20personal%2C%20community%20and%20socio-economic%20development.
World Health Organization. (2021). Guidance on community mental health services: promoting person-centered and rights-based approaches. World Health Organization.