Hauwa, a 25-year-old woman in Nigeria, was discovered shackled and barely alive in a state-run institution in Kano, only to succumb to her tragic fate the very next day. This heartbreaking incident underscores the dire human rights crisis surrounding mental health care worldwide. Hauwa’s story is not an isolated case; it is emblematic of a broader systemic failure that continues to marginalize and dehumanize individuals with mental health conditions. Human Rights Watch has meticulously documented the abhorrent practices of coercive mental healthcare, revealing that thousands of people across more than 60 countries are subjected to similar brutalities, ranging from confinement in their homes to shackling in public or private institutions.
On this World Mental Health Day, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: the coercive practices that permeate mental healthcare systems are not just outdated; they are fundamentally inhumane and violate the very essence of personhood. The World Health Organization has acknowledged the extensive harm caused by these practices, which not only inflict trauma but also deter individuals from seeking the support they desperately need. The time has come for governments to dismantle these abusive systems and replace them with mental healthcare models that prioritize autonomy, dignity, and respect for human rights.
The stark reality is that non-coercive, effective, and rights-based mental healthcare alternatives exist and are ready to be implemented on a wider scale. For instance, the Gerstein Crisis Centre in Toronto exemplifies a compassionate and effective approach to mental health crises. By actively listening and providing a safe environment, the Centre empowers individuals to regain control over their lives and make informed decisions about their care. This model is a beacon of hope, illustrating that change is not only possible but necessary.
However, we cannot ignore the intersectionality of mental health issues with broader social injustices. Discrimination, poverty, and inadequate housing are barriers that prevent individuals with mental health conditions from accessing their rights fully. We must advocate for comprehensive models that address these social determinants of health, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their mental health status, has access to quality, rights-respecting healthcare services. It is imperative that these services are designed to meet the holistic needs of individuals, recognizing their inherent dignity and worth.
As we reflect on the state of mental health care today, it is clear that the coercive practices of the past must be relegated to history. We must demand accountability from our governments and health systems to prioritize humane, inclusive, and empowering models of care. Everyone deserves the right to make their own health decisions, free from coercion and stigma. It is time to dismantle the chains of oppression in mental healthcare and replace them with frameworks that elevate dignity and respect for all individuals. Let this be the moment we commit to a future where mental health is treated not as a burden but as a fundamental aspect of human rights.
This article highlights the importance of COERCION, EMBRACE DIGNITY.
