I have often thought in solitude and said to myself, can one endure being at the border of failure and disappointment and still hope for mental health and dignity? I have said it many times and I say it again, neglect of social issues, passivity, and lack of foresight in the face of problems are the most important social problems in our country. For years, we have been talking about the problems and social and mental health issues of our society, and it is interesting that nothing happens. It seems that it is the duty of a few of us to speak and the majority to remain silent and our words go nowhere.

It seems that our duty has become to only provide fodder for the media and regretfully say every year that we regret the past year… Unfortunately, we must admit that the problems in our society are accumulating and there is no expert opinion being expressed about these problems, and even if an expert opinion is expressed, unfortunately it will not be valued and will not be shown in front of the eyes, mind and ears. But we still say and hope that even if it is minimally possible, they will show it in front of the eyes, mind and ears.

At the beginning, it must be said that although a comprehensive review of mental health programs is not possible due to their importance, complexity, and scope, a brief overview of these programs can be somewhat helpful in clarifying progress, achievements, identifying needs and challenges. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a brief overview of the history of mental health in Iran and to examine the trends of change and development, progress, achievements, needs, deficiencies, and challenges. Therefore, in this review, we hope to briefly define mental health, its influencing factors, and also provide suggestions and solutions in this regard.

In fact, defining mental health precisely and the absence of mental illness and indicators of mental health is difficult in a society. Individuals who perform their roles in society and their behavior is appropriate and adaptive are considered healthy, while those who are unable to fulfill their roles and responsibilities or their behavior is inappropriate are considered ill. The culture of each society strongly influences its values and beliefs, and this in turn affects how that society defines health and illness. What one society may consider desirable and appropriate, another society may see as incompatible and inappropriate.

According to the constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as “not just the absence of disease or disability, but a state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being” (World Health Organization report, 2001). Although WHO has been expressing a three-dimensional definition of health (biological, psychological, and social) since 1946, in most countries, the psychological and social dimensions of health have been largely ignored by health authorities and government officials. This is also the case in our country, where in some cases, the situation is even worse.

According to the World Health Organization’s report, epidemiological studies in different countries show that approximately 25% of people have a diagnosable mental disorder (WHO, 1996). It is estimated that around 450 million people worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder.

Epidemiological studies in Iran have shown different results. For example, from 1343 to 1381, the prevalence of disorders has been reported to be between 9.11% and 2.30%. Researchers, using the SADS questionnaire, found a prevalence rate of 3.14% for psychiatric disorders in Tehran province. In another study, using the 28-GHQ questionnaire and the clinical checklist based on IV-DSM, the prevalence of mental health problems in Tehran city was reported to be 5.21%.

Based on the latest national surveys conducted in 90, the prevalence of mental disorders in the country among the age group of 15 to 64 is 23.6%. Out of these mental disorders, 12.7% are specifically depression and 15.6% are anxiety disorders. Mental disorders are also the most common illness in the country and depression is the most prevalent mental disorder. The latest mental health survey in Iran was conducted in 90 and according to the reports of this survey, as stated by Ali Asadi, the deputy of the Office of Mental, Social and Addiction Health of the Ministry of Health, 12.5 million Iranians suffer from mental disorders, which undoubtedly has increased even more during the difficult pandemic of COVID-19 and its psychological pressures. This is because “the mental health survey is conducted once every seven years and therefore the latest official statistics in the country date back to 90. Individuals aged 15 to 64, who make up 50 million of

According to this survey, depression disorder with 12.7% and anxiety disorders with 15.6% are considered the most common mental disorders in the country. In contrast, psychotic and mood disorders only account for about 2%. Additionally, women have a higher proportion of these disorders due to their higher rates of seeking treatment and their ability to handle family and social pressures. Based on this, anxiety disorders are reported to be 19.4% for women and 12% for men. The overall statistics for mood disorders show 17.3% for women and 11.9% for men.

Of course, it should be noted that in this matter, certain regions of the country have a larger share in dealing with mental disorders: “On one hand, large cities, due to traffic, noise pollution, and air pollution, intensify the occurrence of stress and provide a platform for the emergence of mental disorders. On the other hand, deprived areas, due to being far from the center and lacking facilities, are affected by these disorders in a different way. However, overall, the northwestern, southeastern, and southern regions of the country have a higher rate of mental disorders.

Therefore, it is recommended:

“بهترین آرزوهای موفقیت و سعادت برای شما”

“Best wishes for success and happiness for you.”

Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education

The country should identify the influential social factors on health, determine their scope, and classify them according to local and cultural standards. In other words, the Ministry of Health, just as it shows sensitivity towards biological, microbial, and noise pollution, should also take appropriate and necessary actions towards psychological and social stress and communication abnormalities, and make it a priority in its agenda. It is necessary to be sensitive and proactive towards mental health and provide insurance services for those seeking mental health. In order to achieve a peaceful society free from stress, it is essential to have emotional balance, be full of joy and happiness, avoid extreme sadness and anger, and consider all aspects of communication based on human ethics. The Ministry of Health should not only be a motivator, but also a guide for policymakers, legislators, executive, judicial, military, law enforcement, and security officials.

Governments, organizations, and governmental and non-governmental institutions need to enter the field of health due to this increase in demand. The government must invest both financially and spiritually in mental health and make mental health services accessible to all.

من دوست دارم

I love you.

Because one of the duties of governments is to reduce social harms (by providing opportunities and increasing capabilities) in order to ensure the mental health of society and reduce the suffering, grief, and sorrow of its people.

Furthermore, I ask my dear people who are reading this to take the issue of mental health seriously: “Mental illnesses are influenced by genetics, family history, geographical location, economic status, and many other factors. According to research, a large portion of society will experience some form of mental disorder at least once in their lives. Therefore, mental illness is not something that we can say does not happen to me; just as no one can say they will never be affected by diabetes. So if you notice, for example, that you prefer to be alone more than before, feel constantly tired, no longer feel happy with a simple purchase, experience constant stress, or your mood has changed, instead of talking to family members, seek help from a specialist. If your doctor prescribes medication, take it. If they give you advice, take it seriously. Otherwise, not only will you not be treated, but you will also have to expect your illness to worsen.