We must respond with greater empathy towards mental illness; must replace stigma with solidarity. That would need time, and a lot more conversations.
SAJI P MATHEW OFM
I am not a huge fan of lawn tennis but what happened at the French Open in 2021, in these postmodern times of liberty and individual freedom, troubled me. Naomi Osaka, the reigning world no. 2, had to leave the tournament because she was not able to have media interactions after the matches ended, or should we say that in Grand Slam, like in any popularity and profit driven businesses, matches don’t end with the last match point. Post match press conferences have its monitory importance. The media popularity of the game definitely helps the sport, and consequently everyone connected with it. I am no one to make a comment on it. What came to the limelight here is the reality of mental health.
Naomi Osaka was long fighting mental health issues. She suffers from social anxiety. She even used to have earphones plugged into her ears to reduce the impact of social inter- actions around her. It was made known to the authorities. Neither the authorities nor the media cared a hoot about it; and it frustrated her and thwarted her career. Mental illnesses need the respect it requires.
Mental Health Issues Are Normal
Mental health issues are as normal as bodily health issues. Mental illness creates disabilities. As there is growing awareness about physical disabilities, we must also grow aware of mental illnesses and subsequent social and functional disabilities. The Norwegian Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, was fighting depression during his very first year (1997–98) in office. He took a few weeks leave and returned recuperated. His country stood by him. He completed his term and went on to serve a second term as the Prime Minister. It is not surprising that Norway stands first in the Happiness Index. The rest of the world must learn from Norway. We must respond with greater empathy towards mental illnesses; must replace stigma with solidarity. That would need time, and a lot more conversations.
Researchers time and again point out that a person with mental illness can be a functional and productive member of society. Of course
a person with no mental health condition is more likely to experience higher levels of mental well-being; but a person with mental health conditions can still experience good level of mental well-being—if only we care.
Mental Health and Human Rights Violations
Apart form living with unkind and painful social stigma, people with mental health conditions of- ten experience human rights violations in their homes, workplaces, and in every public space. They are denied peaceful habitation and right to rehabilitation (companies and firms have less or no issues to sanction leave for a physical illness and accidents, but what about mental illnesses and accidents? In the latter case one is even at the risk of losing one’s job). Not having adequate standard of living, taking advantage of a person socially or sexually, having not enough access to social protection and justice, and kept away from participation in public life—all amount to human rights violations.
Business as Usual Is Not Enough
for Mental Health
One in eight people live with a mental health condition. People with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population. Twelve billion workdays are lost every year to depression and anxiety. There may be 20 suicide attempts to every one suicide death, and yet suicide accounts one in every 100 deaths globally; and the major cause for suicide is low level of mental well-being. It is an insult to injury to hear from the World Mental Health Report 2022 by WHO that governments around the world allocate just 2% of their health budgets to the treatment and prevention of mental health conditions. 2% perhaps is also the time we spend on matters of mental well-being.
Of course understanding of mental health, and general interest in the subject has increased. Many countries have established, updated and strengthened mental health policies or plans. Advocacy movements have amplified the voices of people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Informed by research, the field has advanced technically. Numerous practical, evidence-based mental health guidelines, manuals and other tools are now available for implementation. But are we, as individuals, families and communities, taking advantage of it and doing enough?
As individuals we got to take responsibility of our mental well-being: make social connections, stay active, have activities for realisation, make leisure a priority, eat and sleep well, find meaning and purpose in life, and above all, get help if needed.
As a collective we must consciously work on our physical social environment that we live in: homes, schools, workplaces, and the wider com- munity. Social contact is the most effective type of intervention for mental health, and to handle stigma-related concerns. Stop exclusion, marginalization, discrimination, and physical abuses because of one’s low mental health conditions. As governments, employers, and people who hold authority we must stop being authoritative and arbitrary on matters of people struggling with low mental health. Build tangible structures of tolerance, acceptance, and caregiving.
In handling mental health, none of us are as strong as all of us. Individuals, governments, care providers, nongovernmental organizations, academics, employers, civil society and families all have a part to play. It will take the combined efforts of us all to transform mental health for the better.
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