Mentalica's Commitment to a Rights-Based Approach to Mental Health

At Mentalica, we are steadfastly committed to our vision of providing transparent and evidence-based guidance on digital mental health solutions. As we approach World Mental Health Day 2023, we are embarking on a journey to delve into the theme of rights-based approaches to mental health.

Our mission is not only to facilitate access to effective mental health solutions but also to promote a fundamental understanding of mental health as an intrinsic human right. In this article, we explore the essence of the rights-based approach to mental health and its significance in upholding the rights of individuals, including those with psychosocial disabilities.

The Rights-Based Approach to Mental Health

The highest standard of protection for the rights of individuals, including those with disabilities, is encapsulated in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This groundbreaking treaty, adopted in 2006, unequivocally calls for the realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals with disabilities, without any form of discrimination based on disability. At its core, the CRPD outlines precise steps to be taken by States to ensure that these rights are not only safeguarded but also promoted, and it emphasizes the value and contributions of individuals with disabilities. Its general principles, outlined in Article 3, resonate with universal human rights principles and values, highlighting the importance of dignity, autonomy, non-discrimination, equality of opportunity, and accessibility.

Challenging the Medical Model

Central to the rights-based approach to mental health is the challenge it poses to the traditional medical model of disability. Unlike the medical model, which often views the individual as the problem, the rights-based approach recognizes that the barriers individuals face are largely societal. In essence, disability, whether physical or psychosocial, is seen as a social construct, and impairments should never be used as a legitimate basis for denying or restricting human rights. Instead, diversity is celebrated and embraced. While medical interventions certainly have their place, the rights-based approach asserts that individuals with disabilities are not merely recipients of treatment or welfare. Their holistic well-being, including their interactions with the environment, must be considered. It's crucial to understand that shifting away from the medical model does not diminish the role of medicine; it merely ensures that medicine is not the sole gatekeeper of rights for individuals with disabilities.

A Complex Model of Equality

The rights-based approach to mental health transcends anti-discrimination measures. It embraces a multifaceted model of equality that seeks to address structural and indirect discrimination while recognizing the intersections of various identities. Moreover, this approach underscores the social nature of humanity and the importance of inclusion, emphasizing the active participation of individuals with disabilities, including children, in all public decisions that affect them.

Conclusion

As we lead up to World Mental Health Day 2023, Mentalica is fully committed to championing the rights-based approach to mental health. In a world where the medical model often prevails, it is imperative that we recognize that individuals with psychosocial disabilities, like all others, possess the same inherent rights. The CRPD and its human rights-based model provide a powerful framework for reshaping societal responses to mental health needs. Our journey continues as we explore and advocate for the rights-based approach to mental health. Together, let us work towards a future where mental health is not only accessible but also firmly grounded in human rights principles, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their mental health condition, enjoys the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination.

Source:
https://www.unicef.org/documents/rights-based-approach-disability-context-mental-health