Together for Life Association, in framework of the International Day of Mental Health, shared today at the hearing called by the Commission for Labour, Social Affairs and Health in the Parliament of Albania some key findings/recommendations from the report: "Women and Mental Health in Albania - Public health policies and their gender approach to mental health". This report, among the first in Albania under this perspective, was drawn-up with the support of the French Embassy in Albania, within the project "We cannot advance health without advancing rights".
The monitoring report evidences that Albania possesses good laws/policies on mental health and gender equality. However, most policy documents on mental health lack a gender-specific approach to mental health issues or health service use.
On the other hand, what is worth noting is the significant difference between diagnosed depression and actual reported depression (at least 5 times higher), a fact that indicates a low rate of use of health-related health services mental, especially by girls and women. 2.1% of girls/women and 4.2% of boys/men aged 15-59 years in the total population of the country have been diagnosed with depression by a doctor.
The data reported and the issues addressed by TFL related to the case, generated constructive discussions among those present at the hearing, representatives of state institutions, national and international civil society organizations with a focus on mental health.
Public health policies should focus more on how gender differences affect women's and men's risk levels, as well as their access to health care or the socio-economic consequences of poor mental health. Only through joint efforts and the engagement of all interest groups, an effective mechanism can be built that addresses mental health under the perspective of gender equality.
The full speech of TFL's representative, Mrs. Redina Canaku: https://fb.watch/nBdjxL6Her/
Please read the full report on the link below: togetherforlife.org.al/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Women-and-Mental-Health-in-Albania.pdf
