Why is mental health prevention a priority today?
Today, mental health is no longer a secondary issue. It is an essential priority for our societies because the impacts of untreated psychological disorders are considerable, both at a personal, social and economic level.
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Psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression or burnout, today affect a growing number of professionals and young people.
In Europe, 1 in 6 people suffer from mental health disorders, according to the latest data from the WHO. These disorders affect not only the quality of life of individuals, but also those around them and the communities in which they live.
The lack of effective management of these problems often leads to situations of isolation, a reduction in professional abilities or even a breakdown in social ties. Consequently, prevention is an essential lever to avoid these abuses.
Mental health has emerged as an essential public health priority in France. The government has decided to promote mental health, established as a Great National Cause for the year 2025. Four fundamental objectives have been defined:
1. Destigmatization of mental disorders
2. Prevention and early detection
3. Improving access to care
4. And support in the various dimensions of daily life
These issues remind us of the importance of acting together to meet the growing needs in this area.
Fight against stigma
Psychic and mental disorders are still widely stigmatized. Many people are reluctant to seek help for fear of judgment or being excluded. However, these disorders affect 1 in 5 people in France during their lifetime.
Destigmatization is a key issue to encourage open and caring dialogue on mental health. Changing perceptions and eliminating bias is essential so that everyone can receive the support they need, without shame or fear.
Prevention and early detection: vital actions
It is crucial to understand that mental health is not just about healing after the fact. Acting upstream is essential to prevent problems from developing or getting worse. According to the OECD, 56% of European workers believe that their mental health is not sufficiently taken into account by their employer.
Developing a culture of prevention and early detection is one of the national priorities. This involves raising awareness at all levels: at school, in business, within public institutions, but also in families. The earlier mental disorders are detected, the greater the chances of recovery or alleviation of symptoms.
Training teachers, managers, and health professionals to identify the signs of mental distress makes it possible to respond more quickly to the needs of those affected. New initiatives, such as strengthening mental health education programs, must be promoted to raise awareness and train on a large scale.
Improve access to care throughout the country
Access to mental health care remains unequal depending on the region. The Great National Cause 2025 aims to reduce these inequalities by developing new structures, in particular mental health centers and adolescent centers, to improve the reception and guidance of vulnerable people.
The gradation of care pathways, the creation of new specialized mental health professions, and better coordination between health professionals will ensure that each person can benefit from support adapted to the complexity of their disorders.
A comprehensive support for a better quality of life
Mental health is not just about access to care. It affects all aspects of daily life: employment, housing, training, and leisure. Supporting people suffering from mental disorders in these areas contributes to their overall well-being and their social reintegration.
It is therefore crucial to increase initiatives to promote an inclusive and caring environment, where everyone can have access to the resources necessary to build a fulfilling daily life.
After physical health, the spearhead of the year 2024, mental health prevention is becoming a priority in France. Based on the objectives of the Great National Cause 2025, we have the opportunity to transform the mental health landscape, with an emphasis on destigmatization, prevention, access to care and support for all dimensions of the lives of the people concerned.
The future of mental health in France is promising. As we look toward 2025, we have a unique opportunity to make mental health prevention a central pillar of our society. The challenges ahead are opportunities to strengthen our collective resilience. Let us act for a more open, inclusive and caring society, where everyone has the means to flourish in all dimensions of their lives. The future of mental health is in our hands and it brings hope.
Article 11/19/24 - Author: Hélène Zapata - Work and Organization Psychologist