New report highlights benefits of investing in mental health

A report launched last week by CBM-supported global mental health campaign Speak Your Mind urges increased investment in mental health, highlighting both the social and financial benefits. The Return on the Individual report shows that investing in mental health creates a ripple effect of returns across families, communities, businesses, economies and societies.

CBM Global Mental Health Director Julian Eaton welcomes the report:

“At CBM, we’ve seen over many years how improving access to mental health support and treatment, and challenging stigma, misunderstanding and exclusion, transforms the lives of individuals, families and communities. So it’s great to see these benefits set out clearly in this excellent report, which makes a clear and compelling case for greater investment. This report is particularly timely and urgent as COVID-19 is having such significant impact on mental health around the world and integrating it into responses is vital.

We also welcome the priority given in this report to the testimonies of individuals who have lived experience of mental health conditions as their voices are crucial in any conversation about global mental health.”

Julian Eaton also co-authored a new publication earlier this year, which provides an introduction to mental health for development professionals. Mental Health for Sustainable Development: A Topic Guide for Development Professionals (open link in new tab) is intended as a primer for development professionals interested in learning more about key concepts and principles in mental health and wellbeing, why mental health has emerged as a development priority in recent years, and how to integrate mental health across sectors like humanitarian emergencies, education, health, disability and inclusion, and violence against women and girls. With proper consideration of mental health, broader development objectives that support achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals are much more likely to be met. The Topic Guide will be launched in May.

Download the Return on the Individual report (open link in new tab).