A global community of neglect : the prevalence of mental illness in developing communities

Abstract

This thesis examines the current inefficiencies in approaches towards global mental healthcare. The focus of this research is placed on the global community and their failure to adequately alleviate the suffering of mentally ill individuals. Multinational organizations, such as the World Health Organization, haven’t done enough to hold member states accountable for the lack of sufficient mental health interventions. I argue that there is global neglect subjected to the area of mental health and this has in effect catapulted a series of problematic conditions present in many developing communities. I also showcase the crucial importance in prioritizing mental health in a development context. I highlight the essential and moral obligation in undertaking mental illness interventions, but I also highlight the various economic benefits as well. To successfully feature the necessity of mental health preventative and treatment measures, I outline various case studies that suggest that mental illness is incredibly neglected and that underline the ineffective approaches currently at work. In highlighting the gap between communities on the ground and various stakeholders, I go into explaining primary care approaches that would mitigate the feeble mechanisms in place. By breaking down the global healthcare model, I delve into prioritizing localized and indigenized approaches, as well as highlighting the partiality in pharmaceutical tactics. Overall, the systematic processes currently at work go against the wellbeing of mentally ill individuals in the developing world. Lastly, in my recommendations I suggest the need for an adequately funded, impartial body of researchers to investigate and find appropriate mental healthcare methods, due to the lacking amount of research current in place throughout the developing world.