Mental Health: as a public health issue

Mental health is an integral part of public health and is as important as physical health to the overall well-being of individuals, societies and communities. Indeed, it has been said that ‘there is no health without mental health’ and everyone has mental health needs ('Mental health: new understanding; new hope' World Health Organisation [2001]).

Mental illnesses and mental health problems cause a large and increasing burden that contributes to high costs to societies, long-lasting disability, increased mortality and enormous human suffering. Some of the major mental illnesses and problems perceived to be public health issues are depression, anxiety, substance misuse disorders, psychosis and dementia. It is predicted by World Health Organisation (WHO) that by 2020 depression will be second only to heart disease as an international health burden (Murray and Lopez 1996). Equally, good mental health is important for individuals as well as for society. At an individual level good mental health enables people to realise their intellectual and emotional potential and to find and fulfil their roles in social, school and working life. At society level good mental health is a resource for social cohesion, a better social and economic welfare.