Mental Health as Part of Universal Health Coverage ?
Sameera Sachdev
Clinical Psychologist | Addressing Grief & Trauma in Workplaces & Individuals Globally | Impacted Fortune 500 Companies | India's only Brown University Certified Mindfulness Facilitator | Health Innovator Award
Welcome back to Mind It! Newsletter for Ordinary Workplace Conversations.
I am Sameera Sachdev, a clinical psychologist, grief and trauma specialist, solopreneur, supervisor, speaker , India's only Brown University Certified Mindfulness Facilitator , Health Innovator Awardee (Delhi Conclave 2024)
I publish this newsletter once a month. It’s mostly about effective use of resources and mindfulness as a perspective to address organizational and individual hurdles . I sometimes add a few free resources and things that catch my eye, that I have to absolutely share with my audience.?
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Info Bits ?
Empowering Mental Health for All : December 12th marks International Universal Health Coverage Day, a global call to action for equitable access to healthcare.?
Let’s look at some global statistics on mental health problems.
These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness, reduced stigma, and improved access to mental health services in India.
As a mental health provider, I believe that mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being. Everyone deserves access to quality mental health services, regardless of their background or circumstances.?
Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health Care
If you are reading this newsletter, I want you to take this Oath with me. Insert your organization / or even your name if you are an individual provider or mental health advocate. It is our duty and responsibility.
The Oath :?
“At Win Over Mind, we're committed to making mental health care more accessible and inclusive. We believe that universal health coverage is essential for promoting mental health and well-being. On this International Universal Health Coverage Day, we reaffirm our dedication to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health services to all individuals, regardless of their background or financial situation.”
Mental Health and UHC
You know what? Mental health is health. Period.?
It’s not some “extra” part of well-being; it’s as important as physical health, if not more. But unfortunately, many people struggling with mental health issues don’t have access to affordable or quality care.
This is why Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is so important. Including mental health services in UHC programs isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Here's what this could mean for all of us:
Actionable Anecdotes :?
At Win Over Mind, I see how life-changing access to mental health care can be, and I want everyone to experience that. UHC can bring us closer to a world where mental health care is no longer a privilege but a right. After all, we’re all in this together, and mental health matters—for everyone.
Breaking the Stigma
Let’s be real for a second—talking about mental health can still feel a bit uncomfortable. I see it all the time.
People hesitate to open up, worried about being judged or labeled. But here’s the thing: seeking help doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you—it means you’re brave enough to take care of yourself.
I’ve had clients come in and tell me things like, “I thought therapy was for people who have hit rock bottom,” only to realize that therapy is also about building a better, healthier version of yourself—even if life’s just a little out of balance.?
One client, let’s call her Pooja, came to me feeling completely overwhelmed. She’d been struggling with anxiety for months but never thought of therapy as an option. She said, “I felt like I was just supposed to push through it. Talking to someone felt like admitting defeat.” But after a few sessions, she shared, “I never realized how much I was carrying on my own. It wasn’t about ‘fixing’ me, but about learning how to manage everything I was feeling. I feel like I can finally breathe again.” It was a reminder that seeking support is a brave step, not a sign of weakness, and it’s exactly that shift in perspective that helps break the stigma around mental health.
That’s the beauty of breaking the stigma. When we create safe spaces and have open conversations, we make it easier for people to take that first step toward help. We’re not alone in this journey—everybody has struggles, and asking for support should feel as natural as going to the doctor for a headache.
Mental health isn’t a weakness. It’s just part of being human. And the more we normalize that, the closer we get to a world where taking care of your mind is as accepted as taking care of your body.
The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health
Physical health and mental health are far more intertwined than we often realize. It's easy to view them as two separate aspects of our well-being, but the truth is, they influence each other in ways that can’t be ignored. When we experience physical illness or discomfort, it often affects our mental state. For example, chronic pain can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression. On the other hand, struggling with mental health issues like stress, anxiety, or depression can manifest physically—through sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, or even conditions like high blood pressure.
That’s why it’s so important for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programs to take a holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental health. Too often, mental health is treated as a separate issue, and the focus is primarily on physical ailments. However, true well-being isn’t just about a healthy body; it’s about supporting the whole person.
When UHC programs incorporate mental health services alongside traditional medical care, they create a more integrated and comprehensive approach to health. This means that someone struggling with depression or anxiety can receive the same level of care and attention as someone managing a physical health condition like diabetes or hypertension. Mental health care, such as therapy, counseling, and medication, should be part of the routine healthcare experience, just like regular check-ups or treatment for physical injuries.
Addressing both aspects of health simultaneously helps to ensure that people are getting the support they need to live their lives fully. When we take care of the mind, the body follows—and when we support the body, we help the mind thrive. UHC that covers both physical and mental health isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about helping people feel whole and healthy in every sense. After all, true health is a balance between mind and body, and when both are nurtured, we can create a stronger, healthier society for all.
Access and Equity
When we talk about access to mental health services, it's important to recognize that not everyone has the same opportunities to seek help. For many marginalized communities—whether it's based on race, socioeconomic status, gender, or even geographic location—the barriers to mental health care are very real.
Take, for example, individuals living in rural areas. For them, finding a therapist might mean traveling for hours, or they might not have any mental health professionals nearby at all. And even if they do manage to find someone, there’s still the challenge of affordability. Mental health services can be expensive, and insurance coverage for therapy is often limited or nonexistent, leaving many to go without the help they desperately need.
For marginalized groups in urban areas, there are different barriers, such as discrimination or cultural stigma surrounding mental health. For instance, people from certain communities might feel that seeking help would be seen as a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of. There’s also a lack of culturally competent care. It’s not just about having access to a therapist; it’s about having a therapist who understands your unique experience and background. Many people simply don’t have that option.
So, how can Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programs help? The answer is simple: they need to prioritize equity. UHC must ensure that mental health services are accessible to everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable. This means making sure that services are affordable, culturally sensitive, and available in every community—urban, suburban, or rural. It means recognizing that mental health care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for all, no matter where you live, how much you earn, or what you look like.
We must advocate for UHC programs that consider the diverse needs of our communities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, to heal, and to get the support they need without facing additional barriers based on their identity or background. Universal health coverage is about creating a system that works for all of us—no exceptions. When we address these inequities, we help ensure that mental health care becomes a right, not a privilege, for everyone.
Let’s Get to the Crux of the Matter?
We have met with a few mental health advocates from around the globe to make therapy accessible and available remotely.
Innovative Solutions
In today’s world, technology is opening up new doors for mental health care, and I’m excited about the potential it has to transform how we access support. Imagine being able to book a therapy session or chat with a mental health professional without leaving your home—well, that’s already happening!
Telemedicine is one of the most powerful tools we have right now. It allows individuals to connect with therapists and counselors through video calls, phone sessions, or even messaging, which is especially helpful for people who live in areas where mental health professionals might not be easily accessible. It removes the barriers of travel and time, making therapy more flexible and convenient for everyone.
Mobile health apps are another game-changer. These apps provide a range of services—from mindfulness exercises and mood tracking to offering guided therapy sessions and mental health resources right at your fingertips. They make it possible for people to check in with their mental well-being anytime, anywhere, and help keep mental health a part of everyday life.
And then there’s the rise of AI-powered tools. Chatbots, like the ones we’ve seen for general health inquiries, are now being designed to support mental health too. While they don’t replace the human touch, these chatbots can provide immediate, on-demand support, guiding users through breathing exercises, offering mental health tips, and even helping with the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
These innovations make mental health care more accessible, affordable, and effective, and I’m thrilled to see how they’re making a positive impact on the well-being of so many people. The future of mental health care is bright, and I’m all in for it!
Takeaway Tip
Alright, let’s wrap this up with a little call to action—because, trust me, this is where we can all make a difference.
As we’ve talked about today, mental health is just as important as physical health. And just like we wouldn’t ignore a broken leg or a fever, we can’t keep brushing aside the importance of mental well-being. That’s where you come in. Whether it’s reaching out for support yourself, encouraging someone you care about to take that first step, or simply spreading the word about the importance of mental health care, we all have a role to play.
Let’s advocate for universal health coverage that includes mental health services for everyone—because everyone deserves access to the care they need. Support programs and initiatives that prioritize mental well-being, and don’t be afraid to have those important conversations in your community. The more we talk about it, the easier it becomes for others to seek help too.
You’ve got the power to help change the conversation around mental health. So, let’s be the voices that advocate for change, push for better access, and break down the stigma. It’s time we all stand up for mental health and make sure no one is left behind.
What can you do at an individual level?
Track your Physical Vs Mental health care spend each month or maybe at the end of the year.
Instructions:
1. For each month, fill in the costs for each category.
2. Add up the costs for each category across all months.
3. Calculate the total healthcare costs by adding up all the category totals.
4. Review your mental health spend and compare it to your overall healthcare costs.
I’m here to help anyone who feels they need support:
Together, we can make healthier, informed choices and build a future where mental well-being and physical health go hand in hand.
Meet you Next year, wishing you and your team/ family the best from the Win Over Mind team.