Mental health is a critical component to overall health, as we are reminded by the following definition of health:
The WHO released its first suicide report, “Preventing suicide: a global imperative” a week before World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). The report includes information about suicide around the world, including groups at high risk and actions that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths by suicide. Furthermore, the report has catalyzed conversations about global mental health services. For example, mental health leaders formed a new group, #FundaMentalSDG, to advocate adding mental health targets to the United Nations Post Millennium 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are still in development.
HTH knows firsthand how vital mental healthcare services are, which is why we provide not only medical services, but wraparound emotional and social support services for our patients. Physical health, often the most discussed, is only one component of health. In the words of Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, “Everyone – friends, families, the health community, and governments – need to get better at recognizing mental distress, and giving support when life gets difficult.”
*For our readers in the US: If you need help please call 1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)