Mental health in a social context

Abstract

Mental illness remains a scourge of modern day society and results in a substantial burden of disease worldwide. The demographic effects of mental illness are evident across the human life span in both women and men (girls and boys), among all ethno-cultural, racial groups and people of different socioeconomic status. In addition to being responsible for immense suffering, poor quality of life and increased mortality, mental illness results in significant economic and social costs. Groups experiencing adverse life circumstances and less economic resources often exhibit an increased susceptibility to mental illness. The vulnerability among people with mental illness renders them susceptible to human rights violation and abuse. Although these problems have received increasingly widespread recognition by international agencies and governments, the necessary policies and resources to improve mental healthcare remain overlooked around the world. This review articulates the importance of mental health and touches on policies in addition to potential means for assisting people with mental illness better integrate into society. Because mental health is essential to achieving prosperity, investment of finance and human resources within this area will not only result in increased economic gain but will help people with mental illness live a more just and dignified life.