Global sustainable development is more than just addressing economic growth. It’s also about social justice, sustainable practices, and human rights. Nowadays, mental health is also considered an important part of this process.
In 2015, the UN included mental health as part of its Sustainable Development Goals. This acknowledges that mental health is a priority for global development for the next 15 years. Therefore, mental health must be taken seriously to achieve a better quality of life for everyone.
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
All 193 United Nations Member States agreed upon The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These goals aim to be a blueprint that will help achieve sustainable development by 2030.
They include 17 specific targets which cover issues such as ending poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, and unemployment, among others. The SDGs are an urgent call for all countries to work together to ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
Through the SDGs, countries recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations is intertwined with strategies that improve health, education, equality, and economic growth. Without recognizing these interconnections, it would be difficult to improve the planet and the quality of human life.
Mental Health and Global Sustainable Development
Sustainable development has focused on health as a priority for many years. However, there has been a gap in addressing physical health and mental health. For the most part, mental health hasn’t been a priority for healthcare initiatives. Despite the global impact of mental health on sustainable development, it has not yet been recognized as a major issue.
This is changing. With the inclusion of mental health into the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we can expect that mental health will become a key focus area for governments and leading organizations worldwide.
Today, we’re seeing a growing recognition of the importance of mental health. This is because mental health is closely linked to sustainable development. Poor mental health can influence the following:
Education
Students with poor mental health tend to have poor performance in school. Their mental health issues can affect their relationships, motivation, concentration, and learning ability. In some cases, a student’s poor mental health can land them in the disciplinary office, disrupting their learning.
Employment
People who suffer from mental health problems often find themselves unable to perform well at work. Those with severe mental health problems may struggle to hold a job or attend work regularly. Their poor mental health even affects their productivity at work.
Social Relationships
People with poor mental health often feel isolated, lonely, depressed, anxious, and stressed. They may even avoid social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can result in low self-esteem and negative views of themselves, disrupting their relationships.
Physical Health
Poor mental health can also affect your physical health. People with poor mental health are more likely to experience chronic pain, sleep disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. These conditions can negatively impact their ability to function physically.
Addressing Mental Health’s Role in Global Sustainable Development
Solutions are emerging as awareness grows about the link between mental health and sustainable development. Some of those solutions include:
Community Support
There are several ways to support people with mental health challenges. One option is community support groups. Community support groups provide a safe space where people can share experiences and ideas. They can help people develop coping skills and build confidence.
Community support also means a safe space in schools, workplaces, and other public places. Mental health is still a taboo topic in some countries. Creating communities promoting open discussions about mental health can break down stigma and encourage people to seek treatment when needed.
Better Healthcare
Another solution is access to quality healthcare. One reason mental health takes a toll on development is that many people don’t have access to good healthcare for mental health.
In some developing countries, mental health problems are not taken seriously. There’s also a stigma around mental illness. As a result, people suffering from mental health problems often go untreated or seek treatment only when they reach a crisis point.
In addition, some healthcare providers have knowledge gaps in mental health treatment. Many doctors lack training in how to treat patients with mental health challenges. Promoting better health care ensures that people with poor mental health can get the help they need.
Mental Health Education
Finally, education is another solution. Educating children and adults about mental health is one way to address this issue. For example, teaching students about mental health and stress management can help them deal better with these challenges. Starting early in life can make a big difference.
The Bottom Line
Mental health is an important part of our lives. It greatly impacts our daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being. If we want to achieve global sustainability, we must prioritize mental health as well. Community support, better healthcare, and mental health education are just some of the ways we can start addressing this challenge.
Author bio: Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle, and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management, and traveling are translated into his works.
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