Call for mental health and access to scientific knowledge from professional organizations
Professional organizations in Turkey demanded rights-based policies on World Mental Health Day and reacted against access blocks imposed on scientific shares.
Professional organizations operating in Turkey, in a joint statement published on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, called for the implementation of rights-based mental health policies and reacted to access restrictions on scientific information.
Mental Health and Social Conditions
Coming together within the framework of the theme determined by the World Federation for Mental Health, professional organizations stated that mental health cannot be explained solely by the absence of disease. It was emphasized that factors such as poverty, violence, and discrimination directly affect the psychological world.
State Responsibility and Services
It was stated that mental health services cannot be limited to the treatment of diseases. It was noted that everyone's access to equal, free, and accessible community-based services is a right and this responsibility belongs to the state.
Discrimination and Stigmatization
It was stated that individuals living their identities freely is a condition for mental health. It was pointed out that discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, and belief increases the risk of depression and suicide.
Barriers to Accessing Scientific Information
The blocking of the social media accounts of the Psychiatric Association of Turkey and the Sexual Education Treatment and Research Association on the grounds of obscenity was recalled. A warning was issued that obstructing scientific knowledge could pave the way for misinformation.
Five Core Demands
Professional organizations demanded the lifting of access blocks, the provision of free services, and the cessation of discrimination. They called for the creation of a rights-based mental health law and for social conditions to be recognized as a public health issue.