We live in a world full of diversity. With this diversity also comes inequality. With diverse groups of people existing, some dominate over the others, while some are become the ‘other’. All of us are aware of the unequal nature of the society. However, when one thinks of inequality, we are more likely to think of the rich-poor, men-women, homosexual-heterosexual, abled-disabled., etc. It would take some rather deep contemplation to view the inequalities in the area of Mental Health. Yes, that’s right. But mental health is common for everyone right? Each person has the right towards a healthy mind? Well, this year, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, we explore ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’.
Inequalities in mental health may arise in various forms. There is an unbalanced distribution of access, quality, awareness, stigma, laws, and resources with respect to mental health among people. For example, a person from an economically backward class may not have the money or privilege to look after his mental health while he tries to get through each day in order to provide for his livelihood. However, from an economical aspect, a resident of Pali Hill Bungalows has easier access to mental health facilities. People belonging to communities where mental health services are looked down upon may have difficulty to ask for help. Moreover, even the quality of mental health facilities varies from place to place and country to country given the quality of education and resources utilized to build professionals in the field. These are all examples of the structural inequalities that affect mental health.
The intersectionality of these structures causes even deeper wounds. For example, an economically backward, disabled Muslim woman trying to seek therapy- would it be easy?
The social constructions of our realities also reproduce inequalities in mental health. Women are required to play so many roles in the society, more so in patriarchal societies. This takes a greater toll on their mental health. History is evidence of the ill treatment and subordination of women.
According to research, women are 10 times more likely than man to suffer from mental health issues (Semlyen et al, 2016).
Furthermore, even people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are disposed to mental strains arising out of the unjust treatment, ostracization and stigma attached with their identity.
The field of mental health needs agency rather than structure, in order to be fully optimized for people. We, as professionals, cannot help people with mental health issues unless as individuals of the society, we work at the root of these issues first. It is therefore important to listen, to talk, to understand, to be aware, and to help. If you have the privilege to read this, you probably have the privilege to help break the cycle of inequality and prejudice from the smallest to the biggest level.
This World Mental Health Day, let us pledge to acknowledge the inequalities in mental health and work on it. What do you think?
By: Alancia Menezes
Insights: Dr. Wilona Annunciation & Ms. Saraswathi A.
