Time to focus more on promoting mental health than treating mental illness

Abstract

Mental health problems are a major contributor to overall burden of disease worldwide. In UK, it represents up to 23% of the total burden of disease - the largest single cause of disability. To build a healthier, more productive society we need better mental health & well-being and to prevent mental health problem. Mental health is everyone's business – individuals, families, employers, educators, communities and governments, all need to play their part. An organized effort is essential, starting from the earliest years in life, to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the population year on year. More efforts are required to change the focus from treating mental illness to promote mental health.