Mental health priorities around the world

Abstract

Depending on various needs and capacities, it is inevitable to meet different mental health priorities around the world. Although there are some overall developments regarding mental health services, it is extensively agreed that the needs are more than what is available. Most of the expenditure for mental health services are primarily reserved for treatment services, but still mentally ill persons not receiving treatment in low-income and middle-income countries is between 76 and 85% and the figure is between 35 and 50% in high-income countries. According to World Health Organization (WHO), globally, spending on mental health is less than US$ 2 per person and less than US$ 0.25 per person in low-income countries. With these in mind, from the decision-making perspective, funds need to be directed to community-based services, for priority purposes. Prevention of mental disorders and mental health promotion issues, suffer most by getting the least interest. But these topics have recently reserved space in WHO Action Plan and United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals document which promises hope for future. In this chapter, priority issues are discussed from three interrelated perspectives-service users, service providers and the decision-makers in charge of the overall mental health system. Some examples on the current status at different regions, countries or areas with serious deficiencies and also with some good practices are brought forward. Finally, some concluding remarks about responsibilities of different groups are provided as the take away messages.