Mental Health - Next Steps and Future

CBM recognized the challenge of mental illness and mental health four years ago, and convened an expert group to formulate an intervention policy based on community-based rehabilitation (CBR) methods. This policy is fully consistent with the mental health policies and practices of the World Health Organisation (WHO), with which CBM has consultative status, and a close working relationship. The devastation and loss caused by the tsunami and typhoons in Asia has accelerated the pace of this initiative.

In developing countries, there are not enough adequately trained mental health personnel. Services are concentrated in urban areas with an emphasis on specialized psychiatric hospital treatment. This means that only about 5 to 8 percent of people in need receive treatment. For the vast majority, no accessible or affordable treatment option exists.

Therefore a different approach was needed, away from centre-based services to community-based treatment. Many people with mental illness can be helped within their own communities. The focus is on helping persons with mental disorders to participate fully in community life, protecting their human rights, and ensuring that they have equal opportunity to community services. A combination of education, medication, family support and practical advice as well as encouragement are helpful, together with livelihood assistance.

CBM will in the medium term focus its attention on those conditions most amenable to treatment at community level - psychosis (especially schizophrenia), epilepsy, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, with three aims

• reducing the prevalence of mental illness through the promotion of mental health, stress-coping skills, and healthy lifestyles and habits;
• making available better, more appropriate, accessible and affordable treatment options involving the family and the community, and
• reducing the handicapping effects of mental illness through advocacy and public awareness.

A paradigm shift in addressing mental health problems has taken place. The psychiatric hospital is no longer the focal point for mental health work but the community itself. This represents the best hope yet for many millions of people with mental problems in developing countries.
CBM’s future aims in the field of mental health are to promote a campaign which will contribute to the wider adoption and implementation of community mental health services worldwide, using CBR methods.

Go back: Mental Health Disorders
Further information: WHO Website on Mental Health