HQAV: People with mental health problems are “imprisoned”
October 10 is the International Mental Health Day since 1992, which has been approved by the World Mental Health Federation and the World Health Organization. In recent years, people with mental health problems in Armenia continue to be discriminated against and isolated from the society. According to the research done by Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office (HCAV) in 2016, about 25% of publications about mentally ill people have texts and formulations that contribute to the strengthening of stereotypes and stigma in the society towards people with mental health problems. People with mental health problems are “imprisoned” in psychiatric hospitals and health care facilities now. In May 2016, the first community-based service in Armenia, Spitak's nursing home in Lori Region, implements exclusive programs for people with mental health problems to live independently and be engaged in the community. However, more than 50,000 people with mental health problems in Armenia are deprived of this opportunity. Some of them are in closed institutions, isolated from the community, and others, who live in the community, are not fully integrated into community life and do not receive proper care and treatment.
