The Movement for Global Mental Health (“the Movement”) is a network of individuals and organizations that aim to improve services for people with mental disorders worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries where effective services are often scarce. Two principles are fundamental to the Movement: scientific evidence and human rights.

Did you know that depression affects about 19 million people in the United States every year? College students are especially at risk with half reporting that they have been so stressed that they couldn’t function during the past year. The impact of mental illness is so devastating that suicide is the third leading cause of death among all people ages 15-24. With so many people struggling, why is it still hard for us to talk about “mental health?”

Nearly all mental health issues can be improved with proper treatment. When we decrease the stigma around mental health and encourage students to seek help if they need it, we are changing and saving lives.

For many, growing up in an environment of constant chaos and disorganization has effects that go far beyond living amongst the accumulation of possessions or not being able to have friends over. Our parents who hoard often hid behind closed blinds isolating themselves from the world outside.