The psychological state and wellbeing of people is a major driver in their ability (disability) to cope with life’s challenges and improve their coping mechanism.
Stressors like Depression, Addiction, Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Separation & Loss and Emotional Problems can weaken people’s defences, increase their vulnerability, and lower even erode their capacity to deal with and overcome every day issues in their lives.
ASHA echoes the sentiments of USAID:
“Human welfare is defined not only in terms of freedom from hunger and poverty but also respect for individual dignity”
WHO estimates that globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression; Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. More women are affected by depression than men. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
Addiction to alcohol is harmful and in many cases fatal. WHO reports:
“The harmful use of alcohol results in 2.5 million deaths each year. 320 000 young people between the age of 15 and 29 die from Alcohol-related causes, resulting in 9% of all deaths in that age group.
Alcohol is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease burden… is associated with many serious social and developmental issues, including violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism in the workplace”.
Mental Health problems can paralyse people and sufferers are treated less than humane in many parts of the world and in many cases denied their human rights. According to WHO:
“People with mental disorders are some of the most neglected people in the world.
In many communities, mental illness is not considered a real medical condition, but viewed as a weakness of character…
Human rights violations against people with mental disorders occur in communities throughout the world”.
ASHA recognises that people who are experiencing anxiety/depression, survivors of various forms of abuse, poor and homeless, undergoing separation and loss, experiencing long-term illness or disability or looking to improve their wellbeing or overcome an addiction, could feel disillusioned and disempowered.
