Mental wellness is a term that has been around for many years. The WHO (World Health Organization) says: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease or illness."

Most countries around the world consider mental well-being a taboo subject. This means most do not talk about it as they think that the people around them will judge them. Many countries are now trying to ensure that mental health is not a taboo subject and people are not suffering in silence.

Take a look below at the different ways different countries deal with mental health:

SPAIN

In Spain, people are still afraid when it comes to saying what they think, whether due to insecurities, fear, or other factors. It is not very common to hear a group of people talk about topics such as depression, anxiety, etc. This happens because Spaniards believe that people are going to judge them for talking about their problems, so it leads to them only expressing their feelings to their close circles such as family.

In addition to the fact that Spaniards only have these types of problems in their closest circle, another reason for not hearing about these diseases on the streets is because most Spaniards believe that anxiety or depression are not serious diseases. It only considers serious illnesses that require psychiatric attention, such as suicidal tendencies or chronic illnesses.

ITALY

Italy is a country where mental health issues are rarely discussed, are even less when they involve medical issues. Such issues are only discussed with close friends and family. These days, however, the younger generations are more open about this topic and are more willing to talk about issues such as depression or going to therapy.

FRANCE

France is one of the countries with the highest rate of mental illness per capita in the world, behind the United States, according to WHO data from 2011.

The French are very reserved people who do not usually comment on their private life outside of their very close circle. Mental health is considered private and is not considered a topic of conversation in the daily life of a French native.

GERMANY

Mental health is not discussed openly in Germany. Like most European countries, it is a topic that you usually discuss or comment only with you closest circle. For this reason, you will not har two people on the street comment on a mental health issue. Nor will you hear people admit their issues since they are afraid of facing criticism from people around them.

For those people who want to face and admit their problem, the German health system offers a series of options such as physiotherapy, massages, yoga classes, Pilates, etc.

USA

In 2019, the National Alliance on Mental Illness states that one in five people living in the United States suffers from some type of mental illness periodically every year.

Their continuous hustle and bustle in daily life makes them not take the time to focus on themselves or their mental health.

However, millennials are taking sides in this matter, making certain changes in their daily actions such as seeking mental health care and looking after their mental well-being. Well-known celebrities in the country have begun to give more visibility to this topic, speaking in a more colloquial way and recognizing that there is no reason to be afraid to talk about it since it is something very common among people.

BRAZIL

Unlike in other countries, in Brazil mental well-being is not considered a taboo subject. It is very common to hear people speak about the therapy centers they go to, recommendations of doctors, drugs, etc. In addition, therapy is available for free in public hospitals, but the shortage of doctors and hospitals in the country makes this service very insufficient.

INDIA

India has a population of more than one billion inhabitants in which people of multiple different cultures coexist. Nonetheless, societal and religious stigma against mental illness is widespread. It is said that only 10% of the population is able to ask for help to combat a mental illness. Many are afraid that their parents or relatives may not acknowledge that someone is suffering from a mental health issue.

A study carried out with the World Economic Forum says that 87% of those surveyed stated that they have some awareness of mental illnesses. However, 71% expressed some type of stigma towards mental health.

Final Thoughts

Mental well-being is a matter of great importance today since, as seen in studies carried out by the WHO, one in four people in the world suffers from mental disorders. In turn, the fear of being stigmatized by family or friends means many people are not willing to discuss their mental health or seek help. One should never feel ashamed or scared to talk about their mental health and above all else, ask for help within your close circles or a certified professional.