No Health Without Mental Health
September 4, 2007 NPR reported on both the unequal distribution of mental health services around the world and the good results gained when treatment for depression is provided. Their “I’ll shock you awake” statistic: “in Africa, there’s one psychiatrist for every 2 million people; while in Europe, there’s one for every 10,000.”
The Lancet launched a series on Global Mental Health, describing the poor coverage of mental illness all over the world, but of more extreme concern in middle and poorer countries. The panel also impressed on the journalists the concept of “No Health without Mental Health” by describing the difference in physical health treatment of mentally healthy and mentally ill persons. The press briefing, including questions and answers from journalists to the panelists, is available online at the Lancet.
NPR interviewed a Chilean psychologist, Roberto Araya, who found that poor persons with depression failed to be treated because health professionals blamed their depression on poverty. However, Araya found that treatment could alleviate depression even if poverty still existed. This allowed previously debilitated individuals return to their work, caring for and providing for their families, becoming contributing members of their communities.
Post a comment