October 10, 2023, marks the annual observance of World Mental Health Day, with this year’s theme, ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,’ serving as a poignant reminder of the paramount importance of safeguarding and promoting mental health as an inherent human right.
In September 2023, global leaders resolutely reaffirmed their commitment to universal health coverage, asserting that every individual possesses an unassailable entitlement to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental well-being.
As Commonwealth youth leaders deeply engaged in the battle against the mounting burden of mental health challenges within our respective nations, we wholeheartedly applaud the growing recognition accorded to mental health. It is increasingly emerging as a robust, cross-cutting theme integral to fortifying healthcare systems and fostering resilience during health crises.
This year’s theme also aptly acknowledges the escalating global mental health crisis and acknowledges the youth as a vulnerable demographic deserving prioritization. More critically, it underscores the urgency of empowering young people to address their physical and mental health needs while holding policymakers accountable to ensure they are not marginalized.
Undoubtedly, these renewed commitments offer an opportune moment to escalate our collective endeavors.
The far-reaching ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic and concurrent economic challenges have engendered a substantial surge in mental health disorders among young individuals. Since 2020, there has been a staggering 25 percent increase in cases of anxiety and depression among youths.
Amplifying Youth Voices in the Mental Health Discourse
Within the Commonwealth, youth advocates have fervently articulated to decision-makers the imperative of addressing mental health comprehensively. During the 2022 Commonwealth Youth Forum, young people engaged in deliberations concerning strategies to confront mental health issues. They initiated a series of advocacy endeavors aimed at integrating mental health services across all tiers of healthcare delivery.
These initiatives encompassed advocating for the inclusion of coping mechanisms for mental health challenges within school curricula. Additionally, young advocates championed the establishment of the Dhaka-Kigali Mental Health Compact, comprising targeted interventions designed to address mental health among children, adolescents, and youth.
In pursuit of sustained momentum and building upon the commitments emerging from the 2023 Health Ministers Meeting, young leaders have organized an intergenerational dialogue. The primary objective is to foster greater cooperation between youthful leaders and mental health policymakers. Conversations within this dialogue have yielded actionable recommendations for national and regional interventions that can enhance mental health services within the Commonwealth.
As we commemorate World Mental Health Day, let us recognize the critical role that mental health plays as a universal human right. It is imperative that we continue to raise awareness, advocate for change, and work collaboratively to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey towards mental well-being for all.
