Quotes from people supporting #FundaMentalSDG

Mental health is taken for granted and given step-motherly treatment (India)

As a mental health activist I passionately support the call from #FundMentalDSG to urge the UN to include mental health in the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. There is no health without mental health. (UK)

Mental health is a serious public health concern, plus it is easy and cheap to treat most mental health disorders. Please add mental health as a top priority in the development goals. (USA)

Just because you can't see a bandage doesn't mean they deserve any less care & kindness. (UK)

I totally agree the concept.There is nothing Divine & pure than to work for the needy, work to improve the Quality & Quantity of Life.I am Proud of you People & Happy to Support. (India)

Mental health and mental disabilities should become part of the development goals. They have been neglected long enough.  (netherlands )

We have to stop throwing people away and start investing in them. Recovery is possible. People with mental illnesses can and do contribute a lot to our society if they get adequate treatment. (60, USA)

Exclusion of Mental Health in the current MDGs weakened the involvement, interest and  commitment of all stakeholders on mental health in low lower-middle income countries  (Lesotho)

Despite the prevalence of mental disorders and the devastating impact and socio-economic impact, mental health still lack to receive the attention it deserves - despite the fact that mental disorders, in most cases, can be effectively managed by medication and elimination of stigma and discrimination. (South Africa)

We stand with our colleagues calling on the world to unite and address the urgent issues of mental health.  (USA)

I work in Mental Health and I am very passionate about Mental Health and Human Rights. (Fiji)

This is long overdue and such an important component of health that will improve length and quality of life of so many (USA)

We have come across so many cases of mental ill health which has affected their life as well as burden on their life due to late diagnosis because they are moving from one physician to other physician (lack of prompt diagnosis of mental illness) (53, India)

Support with my heart (france)

A Humanitarian step for the service of humanity... (India)

People deserve to be given the same respect and kindness as we would want for ourselves whatever hardship they are facing. That is what humanity is. (Britain)

Let's put an end to this ignorance. (UK)

I have seen first hand while family members suffering with mental illness are cast aside by so many. So little help available, even when the desire for help is expressed. (USA)

I agree something has to be done - I don't know if 20% coverage is achievable by 2020 in countries where there is poverty and lack of education but we can try! (Brunei)

Thank you for reminding us how unacceptable is the situation of this forgotten category of vulnerable people in the world.   (France)

Fighting Mental Health issues is hard and scary enough for anybody. I can not begin to imagine how these people in the photo's are feeling. Everybody on this Earth deserves the access to fair and professional Mental Health care. (New Zealand, 36)

Africa needs adequate community-based mental health awareness and early psychological intervention programs. Many people can positively manage or recover from mental ill health and go on to live fulfilled lives. There is no health without mental health. (Nigeria)

Good to kick start such attempt (GHANA)

mental health issues affect many people in war torn areas & those displaced by conflict. The future of these areas depends on the population being able to cope with the stresses of rebuilding their community, which can only be carried out by people who are mentally well. (United Kingdom)

As a mental health activist I passionately support the call from #FundMentalDSG to urge the UN to include mental health in the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. There is no health without mental health. (UK)

Please show solidarity with people that have no voice and are made invisible, that suffer the worst pain, the one coming from inside. (United Kingdom)

Mental health has long been neglected. It's about time we take metal illness seriously! (42, Pakistan)

Keep up this brilliant, courageous work.  I send my love. (Australia)

We are a charity that provides children's Illustrated EBooks on our website for free on children's mental health topics. We support mental health literacy throughout the world and strive to decrease the stigma of a mental health challenge (Canada)

Fighting Mental Health issues is hard and scary enough for anybody. I can not begin to imagine how these people in the photo's are feeling. Everybody on this Earth deserves the access to fair and professional Mental Health care. (New Zealand)

I suffered with puerperal psychosis after the birth of my son. I didn't realise the importance of mental health until then.I now know how vital it is. (51, UK)

I hope my support will help. (Poland)

As an art therapist, mental health services for everyone is an important and relevant issue.  (USA)

Earth is home for all ! Stop killing's <3  (Nepal)

Looking after mental health is as important as physical health, you cannot separate the two. (Australia)

It is most fundamental needs of the needy to be needed in need, normally ignored & forgotten left them suffering without their faults!  (Pakistan)

Come on UN make a real difference to people in every country by banning discrimination against those with mental health issues and make treatment a right...... (New Zealand)

Without addressing mental health issues, no development initiatives have any chance of working among those who are most vulnerable and/or who may have suffered the effects of crisis or conflict. This should be one of the foremost pillars of any initial response. (United States)

Development Projects in all sectors would be much more effective if mental health issues were addressed appropriately. (Germany)

This is basic human rights. These images look like something that was happening centuries ago, but how can it still happen today? Stop ignoring them, shutting them away. Help them. They're humans too. (USA, 23)

Promoting Mental health is Promoting Life and its possibilities (INDIA)

Compassion, empathy towards those less fortunate are the hallmarks of a civilised society. (Australia)

Stigma must be reduced. (Tanzania, 50)

Mental health and mental disabilities should become part of the development goals. They have been neglected long enough. (The Netherlands)

good to kick start such attempt (GHANA)

These photos powerfully expose the desperate situation of the mentally ill.  They are heart breaking.    (New Zealand)

I support your initiative as I believe that too often the victims of today are the perpetrators of tomorrow, only if we can offer adequate and compassionate mental health support and counselling to the suffering people of today can we hope to shape differently, and more peacefully, the emerging world. (Australia)

Please support mental health- Lets end the stigma because mental health matters (Pakistan)

No more ignoring this! (new zealand)

The SA Federation for Mental Health fully supports the call to include Mental Health  with specific targets, in the United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda. (South Africa)

Mental health is important to overall health, and should be treated that way. (United States)

However I believe that the most reason of this inequality in the world is because of governments functions and benefits, and they are responsible for these situations, and their help would be the most convenient, but as a human it's always heartbreaking to me that I see pictures and movies, so I will support you as an angry human that can't do too much and even I don't trust you that really help these people! (United States)

The worldwide mental health crisis requires compassion, education and international investment to find regional solutions. Healthcare and mental health advocacy must cross borders to restore human dignity to all those who suffer alone, isolated and stigmatized. Let us acknowledge our common humanity with this common goal.  (USA)

I have bipolar type 2 and I know we need to make mental health a top priority because these pictures maybe from a third world country but I have seen similar events right here in my own, and the USA is suppose to be the most advanced.  (USA)

Why Should everyone be committed to the belief that there can be no health without mental health? 1 in 4 people in the UK live with a mental health problem, I was in that stat when I had anorexia for three years. I was hospitalised, but was lucky enough to get the care I needed. However, 2 people I know died from anorexia, died because of the lack of care. To stop people with mental health problems being dismissed, to stop people feeling stigma and to stop people thinking that having a mental health problem isn't a big deal, we need to add it to the UN agenda! It needs to be taken seriously, so that more people can get the care and support they need."(England, 24)

So important. Thanks for saing it out loud. No health without mentalhealth (Denmark)

Despite the prevalence of mental disorders and the devastating impact and socio-economic impact, mental health still lack to receive the attention it deserves - despite the fact that mental disorders, in most cases, can be effectively managed by medication and elimination of stigma and discrimination. (South Africa)


In Today's life, a mental health support initiatives in humanitarian sector is extremely needed, especially in under developed countries of the world. (Pakistan)

Mental health is not optional. There are some things worse than death and mental ill-health is one of such things. Make it a priority now (Ghana)

This is an important cause and hits close to home. (United States)

We desperately need further research, better medications, treatment, support services including appropriate supported accommodation for those with severe mental illness. Research, treatment and services are about 25 years behind that of physical health illnesses and carry a stigma that physical health illnesses do not.  (Australia)

Mental Health is everyone's business! (Liberia)

Our voice is loud and clear, and spoken also for those whose are muted. Hear us! (United Kingdom)

Support the advocacy interventions and public health education (Ghana)

I support FundaMentalSDG initiative for including mental health in the Post2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (New Zealand)

Make a big difference to millions of peoples lives with a simple thing we can do.... Show our humanity, join together together and do not look away  (New Zealand)

We support (India)

Mental Health is a concern to  all manner of persons. (Ghana)

I live in a country where mental illness is often treated effectively and with compassion, and as a sufferer from clinical depression myself I know how valuable that can be. Millions don't have that luxury, but that's no reason why they should never know that they are not alone or why their illness shouldn't be treated like any physical illness. Mental illness is treatable, and it is no reason to treat people like animals. The UN is well placed to address this issue and support mental health initiatives in developing nations, and should prioritise such support more highly in it's Sustainable Development Goals program. (UK)

We need to join forces worldwide to get mental health on the global agenda. No health without mental health! (Netherlands)

There is no health without mental health. (USA)

This is a fundamental human right constantly left apart. The photographs arise our consciousness of changing the rules.   (France)

As previously suffering from mental health problems I am fully better now . I work 50 hour weeks and am a professional surfer . It was 10 years ago since I was diagnosed . Fortunately had a lot of support from my friends and family. (New Zealand)

Further ignoring mental health in worldwide health and well-being  campaigns  constitutes "mindless" policy.  (USA)

Mental health has been ignored for too long by the United Nations and the world. It's time for that to change! For people who need help, care and compassion to receive on ALL continents and in ALL countries. Treat every human being AS a human being!! (England)

Mental health has a major influence on quality of life, it is an intrinsic part of human well-being (Belarus)

Everyone has basic right to mental health.  (India)

It would be insane not to include a specific mental health target and two indicators in the critical post-millennium agenda of the United Nations. (Pakistan)

An important area to be included in this new chapter for development worldwide. (UK)

As a both a carer and a user of mental health services, I have experienced first-hand the suffering that mental health problems can cause. There is no other pain like it.  (UK)

Go on with your great work. God and good people are with you.

Please show solidarity with people that have no voice and are made invisible, that suffer the worst pain, the one coming from inside. (UK)

Development depends on the recognition of the impact of mental health on us all. We need to do better.  (Usa )

A deliberate and concerted awareness campaign, offering solutions to their socioeconomic problems, is therefore need of the time especially when the target-population for Mental-Health issues is hard to reach. (Pakistan)

I suffered with puerperal psychosis after the birth of my son. I didn't realise the importance of mental health until then.I now know how vital it is. (UK)

An important area to be included in this new chapter for development worldwide. (United Kingdom)

Including a mental health goal is a crucial step toward promoting human rights and human development more broadly. (USA)

"Mentally ill people should not be left behind." I strongly support the campaign FundaMentalSDGs for inclusion mental health indicators in Health Goal.  (Bangladesh)

no health without mental health (USA)

Clearly Development Goals cannot be achieved without equitable provision of  both physical and mental healthservices. Mental health services currently receive  a disproportionately small percentage of the health budget, and this  disparity is unacceptable. (South Africa)

mental illness is a medical condition. it should be treated as such. it is very debilitating to those who gave it, and deserves the humanity, compassion, treatment, funding, research, and care as any other human health condition. a well functioning mind is precious. we must recognize that as human beings.  (United States)

People suffering from mental illness need not just treatment but love and understanding as well. (New Zealand, 69)

Please support mental health- Lets end the stigma because mental health matters (Pakistan) 

PREVENTING SUICIDES & SUCIDAL TENDENCIES AMONGST  THE AFFECTED SHOULD BE THE TOPMOST PRIORITY AMONGST ALL THE COUNTRIES.  THE IMPACT OF THE PAIN & SUFFERINGS FELT BY THE LIVING MEMBERS, RELATIVES & THE COMMUNITY BEARS THE BRUNT OF IT. THE D3VELOPMENTAL INDEX OF A NATION IS MOST AFFECT3D (INDIA)

Mental Health is as much a fundamental right of every individual as every other right. (India)

Everyone deserves to live in dignity (Canada)

‘There can be no health without mental health’ is an obvious truth, no more so than in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. The Gede Foundation fully supports the drive to recognise the importance of mental health within sustainable development goals (Nigeria)

I wouldn't like to look away! (Greece, 59)

This becomes one of the major issue of world (Pakistan)

It's time to face the facts. (USA)

The two Post-2015 targets are an opportunity to catch up and make substantial inroads into truly global mental health care.  The UN can provide some of the important forward momentum - especially promoting the need for governement expenditure in this long neglected area. (UK)

Having worked in Africa as a mental health lawyer last year, I saw that the absence of mental health from the MDGs had caused significant harm. Funding was almost impossible to obtain, and local NGOs tailored their 'vision' to projects for which the money was more easily obtained. Stigma towards the mentally ill in Africa is huge, up to date drugs are hard to come by, and psychotropic drug supplies often run out. There is little (or no) money available for rehabilitation in the community and so patients simply end up in hospital again. Counselling services are frequently inadequate and there is little access to psychological therapy. This MUST change. The SDGs can make an enormous difference. Please include mental health. However, in my view the word 'or' in the 1st proposed indicator should be altered to 'and'.  (UK )

No health with out mental health!  (Ethiopia)

I too support the fight for mental health treatment. (UK)

No health nor healthy development without mental health. (United Kingdom)

How is it, that worldwide there is a forgotten under-class if people who's future is taken away from then by no treatment and help. The world needs to wake up to this blatant atrocity to human rights.  (UK)

A Humanitarian step for the service of humanity. (25, India)

Happy World Mental Health Day. My article supporting your movement was published today in UN Association's New World: A Global Health Check. www.una.org.uk/magazine/autumn-2014/jessica-mackenzie-good-mental-health-fundamental-importance-sdgs (Australia)

There is no health without mental health.  It should be a basic human right and should society be not only responsible but accountable for those who can not care for themselves?  How can we cage and chain this marginalized segment of our society/community and we would not see it done to animals.  It is indeed a very sad and shameful comment on a world wide issue that is so obviously in need of redress. (Canada)

I am a child psychiatrist and wish to highlight how poorly resourced child mental health services are compared to that provided for adults. This despite the fact that a significant percentage of mental disorders have their onset during child and adolescence. (South Africa)

Mental health issues are always less prioritized. Stigma, lack of knowledge and awareness are main hindrances to access mental health services. So, it is high time to act together. (Bangladesh, 41)

High time the world recognize the importance of mental health and its role in maintaining healthier and resilient communities  (Pakistan)

Mental Health is, not only one of the major but mysterious problems of the developing/underdeveloped countries. Reasons are so many (Pakistan)

As a researcher in Mental Health, I consider this very important initiative and desire to participate as a member of the Research Group on Mental Health, Uviversidad CES Medellin Colombia (Colombia)

Further ignoring mental health in worldwide health and well-being campaigns constitutes "mindless" policy. (USA)

No health without mental health !! (India)

Mental health is a serious public health concern, plus it is easy and cheap to treat most mental health disorders. Please add mental health as a top priority in the development goals. (United States)

UN including governments in low and middle income countries urgently need to rise their commitments in raising resources to address the needs of people with mental disorders.  (Nepal)

Important initiative. Happy to be able to support (New Zealand)

Africa needs adequate community-based mental health awareness and early psychological intervention programs. Many people can positively manage or recover from mental ill health and go on to live fulfilled lives. There is no health without mental health. (Nigeria)

All support for a cause of our society's invisibles - the mentally ill (India)

The percentage of mental illness varies from person to person and treatment is also only be trial and error method. Even close relatives of the person with mental illness do not care to know and understand more about illness. People who are responsible and supposed to care for the mentally ill people should be taught about the illness and methods to be followed to handle the patients. Experienced doctors who treat the mentally ill do not find time to educate those who are supposed to take care of the patients. (India, 62)

Mental health is very important but very neglected component of health. we must invest (time, money and knowledge resources) for improvement of Mental health for sustainable development. (55, Pakistan)

Hago total acuerdo con la iniciativa que se lanzó a nivel internacional llamada FundaMental SDG cuyo objetivo es que la salud mental se incluya como Objetivo de Desarrollo del Milenio (Uruguay)

The time is now (Ghana)

We truly support this initiative.  (Australia)

I freely support this important initiative for the common well ! (Frannce)

Mental illness have no respect for age, social class or status, sex, religion, ethnicity etc. all persons no matter your position in life should show unconditional concern for people living with mental illness or epilepsy in our society. (Ghana)

People with mental illness are no different from us and deserve to be treated equally and respected as any other person. The time is now to rise and fight against discrimination against person with mental illness. Government must also give equal attention to mental health just like any other health unit or department. (Ghana)

Your website and Robin Hammond's pictures say it all (United Kingdom)

SDGs are not going to be achieved if UN does not include improvement of services for people with mental disorders (Chile)

It is time to add mental health to the MDG (Ghana)

Patient who had been chained for many years in India - before receiving treatment at SCARF India

Patient who had been chained for many years in India - before receiving treatment at SCARF India

Patient who had been chained for many years in India - after receiving treatment at SCARF India