Around the world amid a global pandemic, millions of people need help for mental health but can’t get it. World Mental Health Day, observed this past Sunday Oct. 10, seeks to change that.

Dire situation

Mental health does not discriminate as it cuts across all demographics—race and ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation and gender identity, socioeconomic status, to name a few. But it disproportionately affects those who don’t have access to help.

According to the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), “access to mental health services remains unequal, with between 75% to 95% of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries unable to access mental health services at all, and access in high-income countries is not much better. Lack of investment in mental health disproportionate to the overall health budget contributes to the mental health treatment gap.”

How to help

The first step to solving the mental health crisis is widespread education, so we can normalize and de-stigmatize. Getting help for ourselves and helping others is critical and potentially lifesaving.

Fortunately, many of us have health insurance and can usually get the help we need for ourselves and our families. Unfortunately, millions of people do not have this same access – which is where organizations like the WFMH can help.

Consider donating to the WFMH to help break the barriers to mental health access. Click here to donate.

Be well-