Mental health ‘must get equal status to physical well-being’

THE National Health Strategy needs to be reviewed to give the promotion of mental health equal status to that of physical health, Mental Health Ireland said yesterday.

Speaking on World Mental Health Day, the voluntary organisation identified the relationship between physical and mental well-being as a factor relevant to every individual. However, it said efforts to promote healthy living under the existing health strategy tended to overlook the area of mental health.

“We are calling for the development of the national health strategy with a positive focus on the promotion of mental health,” said Mental Health Ireland deputy chief executive Caroline McGrath.