Today is World Mental Health Day. The theme this year is dignity and mental health.

Background information:

Dignity: It refers to an individual’s inherent value and worth and is strongly linked to respect, recognition, self-worth and the possibility to make choices. Being able to live a life with dignity stems from the respect of basic human rights including:

• freedom from violence and abuse;
• freedom from discrimination;
• autonomy and self-determination;
• inclusion in community life; and
• participation in policy-making

Key Messages:

The dignity of many people with mental health problems is not respected:

• Often, they are locked up in institutions
• Many are subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect
• They are often deprived of the right to make decisions for themselves
• They are denied access to general and mental health care
• They are prevented from fully participating in society
• They are often deprived of access to education and employment opportunities

How can we promote the rights and dignity of people with mental health conditions?

In the health care system

• Provide community-based services, encompassing a recovery approach;
• Respect people’s autonomy, including their right to make their own decisions about their treatment and care; and
• Ensure access to good quality care that promotes human rights, is responsive to people’s needs, and respects their values, choices and preferences.

In the community

• Support people with mental health conditions to participate in community life and acknowledge the value of their contribution.
• Respect their autonomy to make decisions for themselves, including about their living arrangements and personal and financial matters;
• Ensure their access to employment, education, housing, social support and other opportunities; and
• Include people in decision-making processes on issues affecting them, including policy, legislation and health service reform relating to mental health.

Useful Links:

Link to the WHO World Mental Health Day 2015 web page:

http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2015/en/

Link to the World Mental Health Day 2015 information sheet(web page):

http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2015_infosheet/en/

Link to the World Mental Health Day 2015 information sheet(PDF):

http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/infosheet_wmhd2015.pdf?ua=1

Link to the Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013-2020 web page of WHO:

http://www.who.int/mental_health/action_plan_2013/en/