Mental Health as Human Rights: A Call for Dignity and Justice
Mental health is often ignored or sidelined, yet it is the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life. Without it, even the simplest tasks can feel impossible, and opportunities for growth, connection, and success can slip away. Despite its importance, mental health remains one of the most neglected areas of human well-being, with millions lacking access to care, facing stigma, or suffering in silence. It’s time to recognize that mental health is neither a privilege nor a burden; it is a fundamental human right.
Mental Health as Health
Imagine a world where having a broken leg is seen as a sign of personal weakness. A world where people whisper about those with diabetes, accusing them of being "weak-willed" or "making it up." Absurd, right? And yet, this is exactly how society has treated mental health conditions for centurieas as though mental illness were a life sentence of exclusion and despair. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are as real as heart disease or cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people worldwide live with a mental health condition. Yet, despite its prevalence, mental health care remains underfunded, underprioritized, and, in many places, inaccessible.
As a matter of fact, the numbers are staggering. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year. That is one person every 40 seconds. Also, it finds that depression affects over 280 million people worldwide. And despite all these, three out of four people with severe mental disorders receive no treatment in low-income countries. According to the statistics, less than 2% of national health budgets worldwide are spent on mental health, despite its enormous impact on productivity and quality of life. It is preposterous, these numbers are not just statistics they represent real people. They are our friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors. And they deserve better.
Mental Health as a Human Right
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that every individual has the right to health, well-being, and medical care. Mental health is no exception. It is not a luxury, not a privilege for the few, but a right for all. This implies that:
1. People deserve access to quality mental health care, just as they do for physical health conditions.
2. No one should face discrimination because of a mental health condition.
3. Mental well-being should be protected in schools, workplaces, and communities through supportive policies and environments.
4. Governments must invest in mental health services, ensuring that help is available and affordable.
Regardless, these rights are routinely violated. People are locked away in institutions against their will. Others are fired from jobs or denied opportunities because of their condition. And countless individuals suffer in silence because society has taught them that seeking help is a sign of weakness.
However, in recent years, global organizations have taken steps to recognize mental health as a human right. The United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have continuously emphasized that mental well-being is essential to overall health. The WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 calls on governments to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare, protect the rights of individuals with mental conditions, and increase funding for mental health programs.
Some countries have made progress by passing mental health laws, implementing national mental health strategies, and incorporating psychological support into public health systems. For instance, Ghana’s Mental Health Act (2012) established a Mental Health Authority to oversee patient rights and treatment standards, while India’s Mental Healthcare Act (2017) guarantees access to affordable mental health services and prohibits discrimination. The European Union has adopted mental health strategies to integrate psychological care into public healthcare systems, while in the United States, initiatives like the Mental Health Parity Act seek to ensure insurance companies provide equal coverage for mental and physical health conditions. These are steps in the right direction, but much more needs to be done.
Despite these efforts, the reality remains grim, gaps remain, and millions still struggle without adequate support. Many nations still lack the resources or political will to prioritize mental health. Social stigma, lack of awareness, and underfunding continue to push millions into suffering and neglect. The world must go beyond policy discussions and translate commitments into action. Investing in mental health is not just a moral responsibility—it is a necessity for building just, equitable, and thriving societies.
Breaking the Stigma: A Collective Responsibility
Mental health stigma is one of the biggest barriers to progress. It prevents people from seeking help, isolates those who are struggling, and reinforces harmful stereotypes. Changing this requires a collective effort. We can all play a role in dismantling the stigma. It starts with talking about mental health openly, creating a culture where people feel safe sharing their struggles. It also means challenging harmful stereotypes; mental illness is not a sign of weakness, nor is it something one can simply 'snap out of.' Most importantly, we must look out for those around us. Sometimes, a simple 'How are you really doing?' can make all the difference."
Conclusion
Around the world, awareness is growing, and movements advocating for mental health rights are gaining momentum. But awareness alone is not enough; real change requires action. Governments must prioritize mental health in policy-making, businesses must create healthier work environments, and communities must foster inclusion and compassion.
At the heart of it all is a simple truth: mental health is part of what makes us human. And every human deserves dignity, respect, and the right to live without fear or shame. The time for change is now. We must create a world where mental health is valued, protected, and treated as the human right that it is.
BY CYNTHIA GANCHOK
Chief Creative Writer TAHRIFF 2025