What is mental health?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which a person recognizes his or her abilities, is able to cope with the normal stresses of daily life, is able to work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to the community. doing. . It is also a fundamental human right and an essential element for individual, community and socio-economic development.
How is mental health being addressed?
Addressing mental health has become one of the most important challenges for national health systems, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health crisis caused by the virus has increased disorders such as anxiety and depression in many countries, complicating other mental health conditions diagnosed before the pandemic.
In light of this, the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan prioritized the promotion of the Mental Health Strategy for 2024-2026, which formed the basis for the development of the Mental Health Action Plan for 2022-2024. The plan is designed according to the EU’s comprehensive approach, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and serves as a means to guide all actions to improve mental health in Spain.
Other initiatives related to mental health are also priority areas for the government. At the European level, progress was made in the creation of a homogeneous framework of action in this field during Spain’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In addition, the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of an expert committee for the protection of children and young people in the digital environment, with a focus on the protection of mental health. The new structure of the Department of Health also incorporates the Secretary of State for Mental Health to drive new policy in this area.
Mental Health Strategy What are your goals for 2024-2026?
The aim is to improve the mental health of the population at all levels and in all sectors of the national health system. Accompany people with mental health problems in an inclusive manner, with respect for their human rights, and with consideration. and to promote inclusive, community-based models of care that support families and promote recovery and social inclusion.
This strategy is based on a model of recovery through community care systems. This method is aimed not only at reducing the symptoms of the diagnosed disorder, but also at helping the patient return to normal life in all areas (family, work, academic, social life, etc.). Therefore, mental health recovery is considered to be a unique process for each person, and we establish a working relationship with medical professionals to co-create a treatment plan.
Who is it for?
The strategy targets the whole population, and in particular people with mental health problems who receive care in the National Health System (NHS), their professionals (clinical and administrative), NHS organizations and providers, and their families. That’s what I mean. People with mental health problems, all academic and social organizations and agents involved in improving mental health in Spain.
How does a mental health action plan work?
The plan consists of a total of 44 actions, which must be agreed with local authorities, depending on the allocation of capacities in the health sector. These actions are categorized into his six lines of work:
- Strengthening mental health human resources.
- Optimize integrated mental health care.
- Raising awareness and combating stigma for people with mental health problems.
- Prevention, early detection, and care of suicidal behavior.
- Addressing mental health issues with greater vulnerabilities.
- Prevention of substance and non-substance addictive behaviors.
What resources are available?
The Mental Health Action Plan for 2022-2024 is jointly funded by the Autonomous Communities and the Ministry of Health, has a budget of €100 million, and will be financed from the national general budget.
What are the most important actions?
The Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2024 includes initiatives such as:
- Creation of the 024 Line, a 24/7, free and confidential hotline providing specialized care and support for suicidal behavior.
- Professional development. That is why the specialty of child and adolescent psychiatry was created.
- Concrete action for vulnerable older people, including establishing mechanisms to identify older people, particularly those who live alone and have mental health problems.
- Actions to prioritize the implementation of drug dependence and non-drug dependence prevention programs.
- Development of special programs for medical and social health professionals with mental health problems related to care work.
The most vulnerable: young and old
Data from the 024 line shows that one in three people using the 024 line is under the age of 30, and that many calls are from teachers looking for tools for their students. These figures highlight the vulnerability of young people, an issue that is being analyzed in studies on university students, such as the one developed by the Department of Universities and Health.
In this context, the Ministry of Universities has incorporated into the Basic Law of the University System the creation of a psychoeducational cycle of guidance and assistance, the so-called mentoring. Through this, late-year students can mentor new students. . In this regard, the 024 line includes chat as an alternative means of contact, particularly aimed at young people.
The elderly are another population group considered vulnerable in the region. The Mental Health Action Plan therefore includes developing initiatives to prevent suicidal behavior in this group, establishing mechanisms to identify older people living alone, and working to promote active aging.
When is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries on October 10 each year to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to diagnose and address mental illness.
The motto of World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental health is a universal human right” and everyone, including people with mental health problems, should live their lives with dignity, fairness, equality and respect. I emphasized that I have the right to send it.
The World Health Organization has repeatedly stated that no one should be deprived of their human rights or excluded from health decisions because they have a mental health problem. The organization will continue to work with partners to ensure that mental health is valued, promoted and protected, and to take urgent steps to advocate for the human rights and access the care that all people need.
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