Initiatives by WHO for Mental Health | मानसिक स्वास्थ्य के लिए WHO के प्रयास
Mental health is no longer a silent crisis. Around the world, depression, anxiety, and emotional distress are rising—especially post-pandemic. Recognising this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched global programs, action plans, and campaigns to support emotional wellness and expand mental health care access.
In this article, we’ll explore WHO’s major initiatives—what they mean for individuals, families, and nations—and why mental health must be prioritised.
1. WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (2013–2030)
One of WHO’s most ambitious frameworks is the Mental Health Action Plan. Originally designed for 2013–2020, it was extended to 2030. This plan sets out 4 key objectives:
- Strengthen leadership and governance for mental health
- Provide comprehensive, integrated mental health and social care in community settings
- Implement strategies for promotion and prevention
- Strengthen information systems, evidence, and research
By 2030, the goal is that at least 80% of countries will have community-based mental health services in place.
2. WHO’s mhGAP (Mental Health Gap Action Programme)
Launched in 2008, mhGAP helps countries, especially low- and middle-income nations, deliver mental health care through non-specialist providers. Why? Because many regions lack psychiatrists or therapists. WHO’s solution: empower primary care doctors, nurses, and health workers with tools and training.
mhGAP focuses on:
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Epilepsy
- Substance use disorders
- Suicide prevention
More than 100 countries have adopted mhGAP protocols.
3. WHO’s World Mental Health Report 2022
In 2022, WHO released a landmark global report showing the urgency of mental health action:
- 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental disorder
- Depression and anxiety increased by 25% during COVID-19
- Every $1 invested in mental health yields a $4 return in productivity
The report calls for transforming attitudes, expanding services, and integrating mental health in disaster response, schools, and digital platforms.
4. Mental Health in Emergencies (Including COVID-19)
During pandemics, wars, and natural disasters, WHO supports emergency mental health responses. For example, during COVID-19, it:
- Issued guidelines for stress management and grief
- Supported mental health helplines globally
- Launched “Doing What Matters in Times of Stress” self-help guide
In conflict zones, WHO partners with local ministries to offer trauma counselling and PTSD support.
5. Suicide Prevention by WHO
Suicide is a leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. WHO launched the “LIVE LIFE” guide to help governments build national suicide prevention strategies. It includes:
- Restricting access to means (like pesticides or firearms)
- Responsible media reporting
- School- and community-based awareness programs
- Postvention support for affected families
6. Youth and School Mental Health Programmes
In partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO, WHO is helping governments implement mental health modules in school curriculums. These teach young people:
- How to recognise anxiety and stress
- When and where to ask for help
- How to support a peer in distress
Related: Women’s Mental Health and its Societal Impact
7. WHO’s Campaigns: #LetsTalk and World Mental Health Day
Every October 10, WHO leads World Mental Health Day—a global moment to talk openly about depression, bipolar disorder, and emotional health. Its digital campaign #LetsTalk encourages public figures, youth, and influencers to break the silence.
8. WHO and Digital Mental Health
To address growing digital fatigue and screen-time related anxiety, WHO is exploring AI-based tools, mental health apps, and digital well-being trackers. Some regions now test mental health chatbots guided by WHO protocols.
Real Voices
“After joining a WHO-backed community group in Kenya, I finally understood that my panic attacks were treatable—not something to be ashamed of,” says Lydia, 26.
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FAQs: WHO and Mental Health
Q: Is mental health part of WHO’s Universal Health Coverage?
Yes. WHO considers mental health essential to overall health and includes it in UHC frameworks.
Q: What is WHO doing for low-income countries?
WHO’s mhGAP helps build mental health systems using local workers, even in rural clinics.
Q: Can I access WHO mental health resources for free?
Yes. WHO offers toolkits, training manuals, and self-help resources free on their official website.
In Hindi: मानसिक स्वास्थ्य के लिए WHO की पहल
- WHO का Mental Health Action Plan 2030 तक बढ़ाया गया है
- mhGAP के ज़रिए डॉक्टरों और स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों को ट्रेनिंग दी जाती है
- LIVE LIFE पहल आत्महत्या रोकने की दिशा में एक बड़ा कदम है
- WHO की डिजिटल मुहिमें युवाओं तक जागरूकता बढ़ा रही हैं
Final Thought
WHO’s work in mental health is more than policy—it’s about giving people hope, tools, and dignity. From global action plans to local counselling hubs, change is happening. And while the journey is long, one thing is clear: mental health is health. It deserves attention, funding, and compassion—everywhere.
Find more mental health resources and news on Ichhori.com.