A new study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed significant gaps in mental health support across its member countries, which includes some of the world’s wealthiest nations.
The study, which focuses on the experiences of patients as well as on policy responses to mental health, highlights the need for better mental health care standards in many countries. Six out of ten people with severe mental health issues receive no treatment at all, and most countries allocate less than 2% of their health budgets to mental health.
The Scale of the Problem
The OECD study surveyed 15 of its member countries, covering 80% of the global population.
It found that approximately 20% of the adult population in these countries have had some form of mental ill-health in the previous twelve months, with 50% of all mental health issues developing by the age of 14. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction disorders, have a profound effect on people’s daily lives, including their ability to work, study, and maintain relationships.
Impact on Society
The study highlights the significant impact that mental health disorders have on society. In addition to the personal effects on individuals experiencing mental ill-health, there are also economic impacts on society.
Lost work days due to mental health disorders are estimated to cost the global economy US $1 trillion every year. In addition, the stigma surrounding mental health can lead to discrimination in education, employment, and housing, to name a few.
Barriers to Care
The OECD study identified several barriers to mental health care. The most significant of these was the lack of funding. Most countries allocate a small percentage of their health budgets to mental health, with some allocating as little as 0.5%.
This underfunding contributes to a shortage of mental health professionals, leaving waiting times to access care long and an uneven distribution of mental health care across a country.
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The study also revealed significant disparities in mental health care access between rural and urban areas. Rural areas often experience a shortage of mental health professionals and lower rates of access to mental health services.
There are also barriers to care based on an individual’s gender, ethnicity, and income level.
Policies and Strategies
The OECD report highlights several policies and strategies that countries can implement to improve mental health care. One key recommendation is to allocate at least 5% of health budgets to mental health.
This would ensure that there is adequate funding to train and employ mental health professionals and provide a range of mental health services across a country.
Another recommendation is to prioritize early intervention in mental health care. Investing in prevention and early intervention can reduce the prevalence of mental health disorders and their associated impacts on individuals and on society.
The study suggests that mental health education should also be standard in schools, workplaces, and public spaces to raise awareness of the issue and help remove the stigma around mental health.
Conclusion
The OECD study clearly highlights the significant gaps in mental health support that exist across its member countries. There is a need for better funding, more mental health professionals, and an equal distribution of mental health services.
Increased investment in prevention and early intervention strategies is critical to reduce the rates of mental health disorders and their impact on individuals and society. Mental health disorders are not a problem that can be solved by one country or one sector alone. A holistic approach is needed to ensure that everyone can access high-quality mental health care when they need it.
