FundaMentals: Mental Health is the Silent Key to Sustainable Development Goals
Mental health is intrinsic and instrumental to the lives of all people. It influences how we think, feel, and act, underpinning our ability to make decisions, build relationships, and shape the world we live in. Beyond being a fundamental aspect of our well-being, it is a basic human right and a cornerstone of personal, community, and socio-economic development. It is a constant presence in our lives, even when we are not consciously aware of it, and its significance is on par with our physical health. With good mental health, we can navigate life's challenges, tap into our potential, learn, work, be better equipped to connect, actively contribute to our communities, and thrive.
Conversely, when our mental health is impaired, and we lack access to appropriate support, our overall well-being can deteriorate. A broad spectrum of mental health conditions can disrupt our thoughts and emotions, alter our behaviors, compromise our physical health, and interfere with our relationships, education, or livelihoods. Shockingly, close to 15% of the world's working population is estimated to experience a mental disorder at any given time, emphasising the widespread impact of mental health challenges. Given the strong connection between mental health and productivity, its potential influence on economies and output is substantial.
“Business as usual for mental health simply will not do.”
In September 2015, the United Nations (UN) took a historic step by including mental health in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mental health is intricately linked to practically every key issue in international development globally and in Australia. It not only affects but is also affected by most of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which constitute the global blueprint for a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Recognising the central role of mental health in shaping our lives and the world around us is fundamental to fostering well-being and achieving these ambitious global goals. The recognition of mental health in the SDGs acknowledged the collective understanding and commitment to mental ill-health as a global challenge and established mental health as a global development priority for the following 15 years. Mental health is not only crucial for an individual's well-being but also serves as a prerequisite for physical health. Moreover, it is closely intertwined with various other development factors such as poverty, employment, homelessness, economic growth, peace, and justice. While the United Nations SDGs created a watershed moment in making mental health a global development priority, more needs to be done to highlight mental health as an intersectional, cross-cutting and fundamental issue. Without prioritising mental health, many of these goals will be difficult to meet. For example, globally depression ranks among the leading causes of disability, while suicide stands as the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds (World Health Organisation, 2023). Additionally, individuals with severe mental health conditions experience premature mortality, sometimes up to two decades earlier, due to preventable physical conditions.
Mental Health and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Mental health has a significant impact on the achievement of the SDGs in several ways:
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Poor mental health can affect eating habits and appetite, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and health issues. Conversely, poor nutrition can contribute to the exacerbation of mental health issues. Furthermore, individuals facing mental health challenges may also experience difficulties in maintaining stable employment and accessing resources, increasing their vulnerability to food insecurity.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being and a prerequisite for good health. Untreated mental illnesses can contribute to disability and premature death. Promoting the importance of mental health and providing access to mental health care are essential for achieving good health and well-being for all ages. In addition, suicide is a critical concern for this goal, as it is a leading cause of death globally, particularly among young people. Promoting mental health and providing crisis intervention services are essential in suicide prevention efforts.
Goal 4: Quality Education
Children and adolescents with mental health challenges are more likely to have difficulties in concentrating, participating in school activities, and achieving academically. Poor mental health can also lead to absenteeism and early school dropout, hindering progress towards universal primary education and may also affect employment outcomes in adult life. Schools that prioritise mental health awareness and support can create a conducive environment for productivity, learning, and an overall positive impact on a person's life trajectory.
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Supporting the mental well-being of both women and men can help prevent gender-based violence. Survivors of such violence may experience psychological trauma, which can affect their mental well-being and hinder their ability to participate fully in society. Furthermore, gender-based mental illnesses, such as postpartum depression after birth, are a significant mental health concern. Left untreated, it can interfere with a mother's ability to care for her child, impacting the child's development and well-being.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Mental health is closely related to employment and economic productivity. Individuals with untreated mental health conditions may face challenges in finding or maintaining employment, impacting Goal 8's objective of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequality
Mental health disparities can exacerbate existing inequalities. Vulnerable and marginalised populations may have limited access to mental health services, support, and resources due to geographical isolation or financial stress.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Mental health plays a role in social stability and the functioning of institutions. People with mental illnesses are overrepresented in the criminal justice system globally, with most developed countries reporting, on average, that approximately 50% of people in the criminal justice system have a significant mental illness. People involved in the criminal justice system have unmet mental healthcare needs and are at a higher risk of suicide attempts, mortality, and recidivism after release. Mental health conditions often remain undiagnosed and untreated in correctional settings, denying basic mental health treatment as a human right for people. The involvement of psychiatrists and allied health clinicians in the development and delivery of healthcare to people who have the right to equal health care, including holistic mental health care and treatment, is important.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Collaboration and partnerships are essential to address mental health comprehensively. Engaging various stakeholders, including people with lived experience, governments, community organisations, and the private sector, is critical for achieving Goal 17, which seeks to strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development.
Finally…
To address these challenges, increased investment and acknowledgment of mental health as a fundamental prerequisite for social inclusion and socioeconomic progress is imperative. We need to continue to raise awareness about mental health to reduce stigma, enhance access to quality mental health care and effective treatments, conduct research to identify new approaches and enhance existing research for all mental health conditions. Mental health is not only a goal in itself but also a fundamental aspect of human development and well-being. By addressing mental health and well-being, societies can create a strong foundation for achieving all SDGs.
To learn more about health and well-being projects that Australian organisations are undertaking to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals visit https://sdgs.org.au/projects/
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