Key Principles and Interventions
The study identified seven key principles and corresponding interventions essential for HRBA to mental health care and psychosocial support (MHCPS). These principles and interventions serve as a framework for practitioners aiming to improve their services:
- Mental Health as a Human Right: Practitioners should recognize mental health and well-being as fundamental human rights, advocating for the elimination of societal barriers such as discrimination and poverty.
- Dignity and Autonomy: Emphasize the importance of dignity and autonomy in mental health care, ensuring that service users can make informed decisions about their treatment.
- Access to Information: Provide comprehensive information about mental health and human rights to empower service users and enhance their self-advocacy skills.
- User-Centered Approach: Tailor interventions to meet the individual needs of service users, promoting personalized and user-directed care.
- Community and Family Support: Foster community-oriented care and involve families in the support process to enhance overall well-being.
- Prevention Focus: Address social, economic, cultural, and political determinants of mental health to prevent distress and promote well-being.
- Accountability: Ensure that laws, policies, and health systems are accountable to mental health service users, promoting transparency and responsiveness.
Benefits of HRBA in Mental Health Care
Implementing HRBA in mental health care has several benefits, including:
- Dignity and Self-Esteem: HRBA fosters a sense of dignity and self-esteem among service users, encouraging their participation in society.
- Social and Economic Determinants: Addressing social and economic factors can significantly improve mental health outcomes and reduce stigma.
- Preventive Benefits: HRBA can serve as a preventive measure, reducing the need for extensive medical interventions.
- Empowerment: HRBA empowers mental health service users to become self-advocates and active participants in their communities.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the benefits, implementing HRBA in mental health care faces several challenges:
- Stigma: Persistent stigma against psychosocial disabilities can hinder the acceptance and implementation of HRBA.
- Resource Constraints: Limited resources and funding can impede the delivery of quality mental health services.
- Lack of Research: More research is needed to establish the effectiveness of HRBA in diverse contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
To overcome these challenges, practitioners should:
- Advocate for increased funding and resources for mental health care.
- Engage in continuous education and training on HRBA principles and practices.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to build coalitions and promote HRBA in mental health care.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Establishing Good Practice for Human Rights-Based Approaches to Mental Health Care and Psychosocial Support in Kenya.
