The unfinished business of mental health

According to figures from the Basque Mental Health Association, at least 227,775 households in the Basque Country are home to someone with a mental health problem. The well-being of these families requires the elimination of those barriers and stigmas that still exist. But above all, it requires institutions to implement mental health care strategies based on high standards of quality to help in treating, preventing and detecting mental illness at an early stage.

It is true that progress in awareness and recognition of such illnesses has smoothed the way. And it is likewise true that institutions are making efforts to improve the approach to mental health, as demonstrated by the recent 2023-2028 Basque Country Mental Health Strategy adopted by the Basque Government. However, much still remains to be done. In many spheres connected with mental health there is ongoing criticism of the shortage of resources, and the increasing trend to leave such matters in the hands of private ventures.

The pandemic showed us the need for a far-reaching transformation of public health, to adapt to the present and offer an appropriate response to all our health problems. We lead fast-paced lives, with ever greater demands and threats, all of which has a direct impact on us. We need more professionals specialising in psychiatry and psychology, but above all need to put in place a robust health system in terms of mental health. Unfortunately, this remains unfinished business..

Photo: © Penelope Chauvelot

Film:On the Edge