T
his crisis appears to stem from today's fast-paced world, laden with stress and trauma-induced challenges. It transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds, making it clear that we need innovative, universally applicable solutions to address this complex issue.
Mental health concerns are not confined to specific countries or demographics; they are a pervasive issue that affects individuals worldwide. The WHO acknowledges that several factors, such as economic disparities, limited access to healthcare, chronic poverty, GBV, long-term armed conflicts, and displacement can exacerbate these challenges, with many people experiencing the overlapping impact of multiple factors of oppression on a daily basis. The World Report on Violence and Health by the WHO emphasises that sexual violence is a major contributing factor to the development of so-called mental health disorders, with survivors experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Given the unique challenges experienced by the survivors of trauma, especially trauma related to GBV, there must be an emphasis on ensuring those individuals are supported in overcoming the immense impact of the trauma to find the will and the strength to take all the necessary steps to recover and find lasting healing.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects a staggering 264 million people worldwide, not to mention those grappling with anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues.
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November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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