In 2022 the world is suffering from the coronavirus pandemic, wars and the climate crisis. All these factors have an impact on the mental health of people around the world. The number of people with mental disorders is growing, but only a few have access to appropriate care and treatment. Hence this year’s appeal, which is addressed to us by the World Federation for Mental Health working with the World Health Organization: “Make mental health and well-being a global priority for all”.
Effective campaign and a clear message
World Mental Health Day has been celebrated on 10 October for 30 years now. Every year, a new leading theme is named to promote the selected mental health issue. This year’s theme highlights mental health and well-being issues as areas of primary concern. It is important for each of us that this message reaches the environment, where we live and we can influence. VR TierOne joins in promoting the value of this year’s campaign. The message of the World Federation for Mental Health is a motivator for us to increase our own efforts to support people around the world in their fight against depression, anxiety and destructive stress.
There is no health without mental health
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the number of people suffering from mental health disorders now reaches almost 800 million, 350 million of which suffer from depression. Mental health issues are a growing concern in all age groups, without sparing children and seniors. In 2021, António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, emphasized that without decisive action, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health may last much longer lasting than the pandemic itself. Indeed, the pandemic exposed the failure of mental health systems. Our objective is to offer support for the healthcare system by providing modern tools based on Virtual Reality that are helpful in expanding access to mental health services and nurturing well-being. Without mental health, we cannot talk about health, which is not only a lack of diseases, but also a state of complete well-being.
Stigmatizing attitude as an obstacle to recovery
Mental health policy requires a strong focus on destigmatisation and anti-discrimination. The negative attitude of people towards people suffering from mental health issues and the tabooing of mental illnesses still constitute a barrier for those seeking help. At the basis of prejudices against diseases and treatment of mental disorders lies in the fear resulting from ignorance. It is not only the diseases of the body that deserve treatment and attentiveness. Together with the promotion of the VR TierOne medical device, which enables a non-stigmatizing and effective therapy of depression, stress and anxiety in the virtual world, we also promote educational content. We want to alter the public opinion – reluctance and lack of understanding for people with depression and anxiety to kindness and respect. The aim of VR TierOne activities is to remove barriers to access to mental health services, those resulting from the shortage of psychotherapists, as well as barriers resulting from prejudices against the treatment of mental health disorders.
Mental health and well-being for all
Priority should be given to mental health and well-being, starting with prevention. Preventing poor mental condition is a good way to reduce the costs associated with mental health issues: economic, social and those borne by the labour market. It should be remembered that mental problems manifest their presence also through somatic symptoms. They increase morbidity, are associated with the risk of disability and increased mortality. It is important in a tense world to promote regular mental hygiene practices. The relaxation developed by our team using VR TierOne GO mobile relaxation headset is used as a prevention of mental disorders associated with chronic stress. The relaxing VR TierOne GO headset counteracts the development of depression and anxiety disorders with therapeutic VR 360° natural scenery videos.
This years theme of the WMHD, adopted by the World Federation For Mental Health coincides with our aspirations. The slogan makes us keen to strive towards the reaching of foreign markets and the further development of products in the field of health and mental well-being.
