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WHO Urges Global Mental Health Policy Overhaul

Mental Health
WHO Urges Global Mental Health Policy Overhaul

WHO Pushes for Mental Health Policy Reform

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched new guidance calling for an urgent transformation of mental health policies and systems globally. Released on March 25, 2025, this comprehensive framework aims to help countries reform and strengthen their mental health services in line with international human rights standards.

Key aspects of the WHO guidance include:

  • Protecting and upholding human rights in mental health care
  • Promoting holistic, person-centered approaches
  • Implementing prevention strategies for population-wide mental wellbeing
  • Empowering people with lived experience to participate in policy planning
  • Addressing social and economic factors that impact mental health

The guidance comes as a response to persistent challenges in mental health care worldwide, including significant underfunding and major gaps in access and quality of care. In some countries, up to 90% of people with severe mental health conditions receive no care at all.

Global Mental Health Concerns on the Rise

The call for policy reform coincides with growing concerns about mental health worldwide:

  • A recent report by AXA reveals that 32% of the global population is currently experiencing mental health issues, a figure that has remained stable since 2023.
  • Young adults are particularly affected, with 44% reporting current mental health disorders.
  • Financial instability, job insecurity, and uncertainty about the future in a rapidly changing world are cited as major sources of anxiety.

Workplace Mental Health Takes Center Stage

As mental health concerns continue to impact productivity and employee wellbeing, companies are being urged to take action:

  • A survey of 1,000 U.S. employees found that 75% reported experiencing some form of low mood, with many attributing it to global political turmoil and current events.
  • 74% of employees expressed a desire for workplace mental health resources specifically tailored to address anxiety caused by political and social crises.
  • Workplaces prioritizing mental health see 13% higher productivity, and employees are 2.3 times less likely to report feeling stressed.

Looking Ahead: Mental Health Awareness Month

As May approaches, organizations are gearing up for Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for 2025 is ‘Lead With Love,’ encouraging individuals and organizations to approach mental health challenges with kindness, compassion, and acceptance.

Mental Health Action Day, set for May 15, 2025, will focus on the theme ‘Check In With A.S.K.’ (Acknowledge, Support, Keep in touch), providing a practical framework for offering emotional support.

These global initiatives underscore the growing recognition of mental health as a critical public health issue and the urgent need for comprehensive, rights-based approaches to mental health care and support.

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