Mental health issue is becoming a major burden globally.
There is no health without mental health. The essential dimension of mental health is clear from the definition of health in the WHO constitution: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Mental health is an integral part of this definition. The interrelationship between physical and mental health is highly complex. Risk behaviors as well as health-seeking behaviors and compliance to treatment are significantly influenced by mental health status.
Based on the data from WHO, currently mental disorders such as depression are among the 20 leading causes of disability worldwide. Depression affects approximately 120 million people worldwide and this number is projected to increase.
People living in poverty not only lack financial resources but are also at a higher risk of developing a mental disorder. When people develop mental disorders they are likely to descend further into poverty, both because of increased health care costs as well as decreased productivity and lost opportunities for employment.
ldquo;Mental Health” is a state of wellbeing, in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
There are modifiable factors and cost-effective interventions to reverse this trend.
Mental health is highly related to behavior, socioeconomic and environmental factors.
Creating a healthy lifestyle through regular mental and physical activities can reduce one’s risk of mental health issues.
Interventions such as support to children and early childhood, socio-economic empowerment of women, social support to old age populations, programs targeted at vulnerable groups, mental health promotion activities in schools and at work, violence prevention programs and community development programs are low cost, high impact evidence-based ways to promote public mental health.
Brain Education has an important role to play in creating a healthy lifestyle and reducing risk.
Education at the governmental and non-governmental levels plays a critical role in helping people create mentally and physically healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk for disease.
By a set of principles and practices focusing on the brain itself and on using its innate potential for creating well-being and peacefulness, Brain Education programs in schools communities, homes for the elderly, correctional facilities, military service, health care and work settings have reported success in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Brain Education enhances mental health by increasing self-esteem, communication skills, reducing violence, reducing smoking and drinking habits thereby creating an all around healthy life.
Through this seminar, we aim to increase awareness about global mental health issues and cost-effective interventions by focusing on the role of Brain Education in promoting mental health.
Presenters and participants include representatives from permanent missions, United Nations agencies and departments, nongovernmental organizations, universities, schools and health care facilities.
The recommendation of this seminar contributes to the ECOSOC 2009 AMR theme, “Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to global public health.”
PROGRAM
Welcoming
Dr. Maryana Winston (IBREA Moderator)
Introduction “New feature of ECOSOC”
Mr. Nikhil Seth (Director of Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, DESA)
Opening address “Role of educational NGO for global mental health”
Dr. Hanifa Mezoui (Chief, NGO Section of UN DESA)
“Increasing awareness for global Mental Health”
Dr. Janice Wetzel (Chair, Committee on Mental Health, CONGO)
“Mental Health issues in an African Country”
Mr. Modest Mero (Minister, Tanzania, Presidency of African Union)
“Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Health”
Elkhonon Goldberg (Professor, Neurology, NYU)
“Nevah Surrendah Parkinson ; Personal story for fighting back”
Mr. Paul Green (President, Nevah Surrendah Parkinson)
“Success story ; Brain Education to promote Mental Health in a school system”
Dr. Warrington Parker and Ms. Nora Lee (Vice-president and Program Director, IBREA School Project)
“Brain and Human Behavior: Evaluation with Functional Brain Imaging”
Dr. Dan Pavel (Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago)
“Neuroplasticity Revolution: Implications for Education and Cultural Conflicts”
Dr. Norman Doidge (Psychiatrist, Author “The Brain That Changes Itself”)
“Global movement for creating happiness through Brain Utilization”
Mr. Ilchi Lee (President, Korea Institute of Brain Science and IBREA)
Discussion
Closing