What is it about?
The U.S. has shown significant success in innovation but has failed at taking successful programs and initiatives to scale. Integrating mental health into institutions and systems must be at the forefront to provide a path for transformation. Three recommendations are derived from the strategies and initiatives described throughout this article that offer tangible steps for achieving wellbeing as a human right: 1. Embed mental health within and across all systems, and expand its definition across the continuum; 2. Prioritize prevention and health promotion through person-centered and community-driven strategies; and 3. Expand the diversification and training of the mental health workforce across sectors.
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Why is it important?
Having endured over a year of loss in education, social connection, and routines, the COVID-19 pandemic illuminated America's deeply rooted structural inequities that have worsened population mental health and well-being.
Perspectives
We have personally experienced and witnessed how societal inequities and structural oppression harm people across the lifespan. I hope that this article motivates policymakers and communities to take action to improve our collective quality of life.
Silicia Lomax
University of Pennsylvania
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Centering mental health in society: A human rights approach to well-being for all., American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, April 2022, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/ort0000618.
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