Mental Health

Updated content in: 06/10/2023

Mental health is a universal human right

Countries must promote regulatory and normative initiatives to support mental health as a fundamental human right, while at the same time limiting practices that favor human rights violations.

PAHO/WHO

Mental Health and Human Rights

People with mental health problems have historically suffered and currently suffer human rights violations. They are also often subject to misconceptions and false beliefs that promote stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes such as the belief that they are dangerous, have no capacity to make decisions by themselves or are weak, among other.

Documents on VHL

Stigma in Mental Health

Mental health stigma is one of the most difficult challenges of our time, mainly because it discourages people from seeking help for fear of being labeled. Stigma, discrimination and human rights violations against people with mental health problems are common in communities and care systems everywhere. Respect and support people with lived experience are necessary actions to avoid attitudes of prejudice and discrimination.   

Documents on VHL

Prevention on suicidal thoughts

Suicide is a significant but often neglected public health issue surrounded by stigma, myths, and taboos. Every case of suicide is a tragedy that severely impacts not only individuals but also families and communities. Each year, more than 700,000 people take their own life after many suicide attempts, corresponding to one death every 40 seconds. PAHO/WHO 

Documents on VHL

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