The time has come for systemic change – a transformation in the values, philosophies, treatments and delivery of services that address mental health challenges. If the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is this.
Mental health problems are among the top ten global causes of disease burden, with no improvement since 1990. Yet, less than 2% of global public health care expenditures are spent on mental health. And, much of the care delivered fails to produce good results over the long-term.
“From addiction to dementia to schizophrenia, almost 1 billion people worldwide suffer from a mental disorder. In total, poor mental health was estimated to cost the world economy approximately $2·5 trillion per year in poor health and reduced productivity in 2010, a cost projected to rise to $6 trillion by 2030.”
Mental health matters, The Lancet Global Health, November, 202