MQ Mental Health Research has been featured in a new documentary produced by Reuters.com. The film provides deep insight into MQ’s mission and why mental health research is so important in changing outcomes for millions of people around the world.
One of the critical points highlighted in the film is the stark disparity in funding. Despite the profound impact mental health has on individuals and society, it remains underfunded compared to physical health research. This lack of investment hinders our ability to develop effective treatments and support systems. MQ champions the cause for more funding and argues that mental health should be prioritized on par with physical health.
More than 900 million people live with a mental illness today and more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year around the world. These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need for comprehensive data and research, especially in low- and middle-income countries where information is often scarce. Depression alone is on track to become the largest burden of disease globally by 2030, with more years of disability life lost than any other condition.
26 times more is invested in cancer research alone than in all mental health research. That’s why MQ Mental Health Research supports scientists working to better understand mental health conditions, develop new and more effective treatments and interventions, and even work on ways to prevent mental illness from developing in the first place.
“The first word that comes to mind when I think about mental health research is inequity.” Says Professor Vikram Patel, Professor of Global Health at Harvard Medical School, who appears in the new documentary produced for Reuters.com.
“If there’s one really important area that I think requires a lot more investment in mental health research, it’s understanding how we can minimize exposure to adversities from early childhood through young adulthood that we know are profoundly important in mental health. shape an individual’s mental health throughout their life.”
Watch the film here and read the attached document. blog at Reuters.com.
