In resource-constrained contexts, prioritisation of mental healthcare can be challenging, especially when burden of physical health conditions is high, which hindered implementation of MHPPs (Doku et al., 2008; Draper et al., 2009; Ssebunnya et al., 2010). A quantitative survey provided primary healthcare staff with a list of challenges to integrate mental health into primary healthcare, which included dichotomous answers (yes/no or agree/disagree) on potential challenges/barriers that were reported during qualitative interviews (Abdulmalik et al., 2016). Two studies specifically looked at policies centred around the service development process (Stanley-Clarke et al., 2014) and the introduction of a new model of care (Park et al., 2015). One study specifically looked at the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare (Draper et al., 2009).
Guidance on mental health policy and strategic action plans
Working in close collaboration with WHO’s Strategic Technical Advisory Group for Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use (STAG-MNS), the framework throws a new light on the links between MNS conditions, and also the links between MNS conditions and other health conditions, to show how integrating promotion, prevention and management strategies can lead to a more effective use of resources and better health outcomes. Yet, many systems remain reliant on biomedical models and institutional care, overlooking social and structural determinants and international human rights standards. Grounded in human rights, equity, and evidence, the guidance emphasizes both the costs of inaction and the societal benefits of investing in mental health. Explore key milestones, discoveries, and the impact of NIMH-funded studies on mental health. Learn about NIMH priority areas for research and funding that have the potential to improve mental health care over the short, medium, and long term. Use these free digital, outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread the word about mental health.
Evidence-based behavioral health services
- Additionally, we screened the lists of references of studies included from the main search as well as from the systematic review on mental health policies conducted by Zhou et al. (Reference Zhou, Yu, Yang, Chen and Xiao2018).
- 10 Member States are currently involved in this project supported by an EC financial contribution of €1.6 million.
- Ironically, while social media is designed to connect people, excessive use can lead to social isolation.
- This work illustrates that not only has activity around federal mental health policy in general grown over the last three decades, but the number of mental health bills considering behavioral health in particular has also increased.
- Over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression and 301 million people from anxiety disorders, while global suicide (up to 700,000 deaths per year) is a leading cause of death in young people.
- In 2018, EU Member States prioritised mental health as the area for best practice implementation.
We included MHPPs on suicide prevention or neurological disorders such as dementia to align with the WHO European Framework of Action on Mental Health. Disruptions to health care for those with pre-existing mental health conditions constitute a significant part of the negative impact that the pandemic had on mental health. These projects aim to provide mental health support to displaced people from Ukraine and to improve mental health and psychological well-being in migrant and refugee populations. The Commission has mobilised EUR 31.2 million from the EU4Health programme to help displaced people from Ukraine in urgent need of mental health and trauma support.
Nutritional education initiatives can raise awareness about the connection between diet and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of consuming nutrient-rich foods that support brain function. Beyond its physiological benefits, physical activity fosters a sense of achievement and social connection, particularly when done in group settings. Community-based early intervention programs further enhance these efforts by providing accessible resources and support networks tailored to local needs. Schools play a pivotal role in early intervention by offering programs that address specific risk factors such as bullying, academic pressure, and social isolation. Community-based initiatives can further extend these benefits by reaching diverse populations, addressing cultural barriers, and creating support networks. Prioritizing in-person relationships and engaging in activities that promote social bonds IHS California Behavioral Health Resources can mitigate feelings of isolation.
Data extraction
The summaries provided at the end in Tables 2, 3 and 4 have reference to papers earlier to 2013 with one dated 1986. The authors do not throw light on the policy and programme context of a particular country and what the published paper manages to cover or leaves out. The paper also does not provide any understanding of the varying country and policy contexts as covered by the papers. Not having measurable indicators for the objectives set out in the policy could be a shortcoming in the country’s policy and not developing robust indicators or analytical frameworks to measure policy and programme outcomes could be a matter of poorly conceived research by the researcher. The authors highlight information gaps in the papers that they have studied and conclude the lack of tools available for monitoring and guiding the implementation of MHPPs. The authors shortlisted through a systematic process, 48 papers for the review of which the majority of the papers are from the European region.
Based on HICs’ experience, MLICs have quickly developed mental health policies covering domains as comprehensive as HICs, in the recent three decades. Even for the included assessment studies, different evaluation frameworks and indicators were applied. Of note is that this review’s findings on policy implementation present only a limited understanding of existing problems, as a lack of information and evaluation of policy implementation itself was listed as a problem in both HICs and MLICs. Foreign experience developed in different social and cultural contexts should be carefully selected and MLICs should consider policy feasibility based on their own situations. Mental health policies in many MLICs are developed with financial and technical assistance from HICs and international organizations. The number of HICs and MLICs with implementation problems in each domain based on included studies
