Stigma and lack of community-based mental health services hinder access to care, says WHO official.
Approximately 260 million people, or one in seven, in Southeast Asia live with a mental health condition, yet many face barriers to timely treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Andrea Bruni, WHO’s regional adviser for mental health in Southeast Asia, highlighted the prevalence of mental health issues and the significant treatment gap in the region, with up to 90% of individuals in some countries not receiving appropriate care.
Stigma and Misconceptions Persist
Mental health stigma remains widespread across Southeast Asia, Dr. Bruni said, often leading to discrimination against those with mental health conditions. A prevalent myth in the region is the belief that individuals with such conditions need to be institutionalized in psychiatric hospitals or asylums.
“The reality is that community-based services are more accessible and better uphold human rights,” Dr. Bruni emphasized.
He noted that change is happening, with individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions and their caregivers becoming increasingly involved in policy design and advocacy efforts.
The Right to Mental Health
Marking World Mental Health Day on October 10, WHO underscored the universal right to mental health. “Good mental health is essential to overall well-being, and everyone has the right to attain the highest standards of mental health,” Dr. Bruni stated.
However, many individuals continue to face rights violations and social exclusion. “Having a mental health condition should never justify depriving someone of their human rights or excluding them from society,” he added.
Investing in Mental Health
Globally, nearly a billion people, or one in eight, live with mental health conditions, a number exacerbated by stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and the climate crisis.
Despite evidence that investing in mental health yields high returns, funding remains insufficient. Dr. Bruni called for more resources to close treatment gaps and strengthen mental health services.
Community-Based Care as a Solution
Dr. Bruni advocated for a shift away from reliance on tertiary facilities like psychiatric hospitals, which often face capacity limitations and are linked to human rights violations. Instead, community-based healthcare networks should be prioritized to reduce stigma and improve access.
“Investing in mental health networks within communities is crucial to bridge the treatment gap and promote dignity,” he said.
Mental Health Concerns Among Youth
Depression and anxiety remain the most common mental disorders worldwide, increasingly affecting young people. Studies have linked social media use to heightened anxiety and depression among youth, particularly following the pandemic.
“Social media can be both a positive and negative influence,” Dr. Bruni noted, highlighting its impact on issues such as suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention: A Pressing Public Health Challenge
Suicide remains a significant concern in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 200,000 lives lost annually.
“Suicide is the leading cause of premature mortality among young people in many countries,” said Dr. Bruni. Strategies to address this include responsible media reporting, improving support for those with suicidal thoughts, and enhancing life skills among youth.
Dr. Bruni also called for regulatory measures to limit access to means of suicide, such as pesticides, which are commonly used in the region.
“Preventing suicide is a challenging but critical public health priority. We know it is preventable, but it requires coordinated and sustained efforts,” he concluded.
