Global – Community Mental Health Trends

There’s some big shifts in the mental health field globally, that I think have the potential to positively impact us and community mental health. Here’s a little snapshot:

The World Health Organization is insisting that mental health promotion, prevention and treatment across the world needs to be available and resourced.

Evidence shows that 14% of the global burden of disease is attributed to mental health conditions, yet most of the people affected – 75% in many low-income countries – do not have access to the treatment they need. And these numbers continue to grow. Nationally and provincially, we are beginning to see mental health receive much more attention and various streams of resources.

As a result of these new directions and a host of other factors, frontline workers are becoming increasingly recognized for the valuable work they do to contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of community members.

Evidence is also accumulating about the effectiveness and cost-saving benefits of supplying frontline workers with mental health resources and training.

In light of these trends, I think we may be on the cusp of potential change.

I am excited because next week the Mental Health, Substance Use and HIV/AIDS/HCV Advisory Council is meeting. I am curious to hear the council members’ thoughts and ideas about how to best shape upcoming activities to meet our goals. How might we best position ourselves to support our communities?

What are your thoughts?

Please email: [email protected]

Carlene Dingwall (BA, M.Ed, PhD Candidate)

Mental Health, Substance Use and HIV/HCV Initiative 

Phone: 250-300-3177