Mental Wellness and Social Resilience in the Asia Pacific

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval in not only healthcare but also social and economic systems, turning attention to the resilience of societies, economies, and individuals. At least partly because of prolonged lockdowns, interruptions in work and schooling, and economic turbulence over the last three years, the pandemic has resulted in a mental health crisis. In the Asia-Pacific region, mental health remains understudied and underemphasized in public policy. As one of the world’s fastest developing regions, the Asia Pacific requires robust mental health governance to ensure that populations are economically secure, experience personal fulfillment, and thrive in their communities. What economic, social, and cultural factors contribute to mental wellness in the region? How can policymakers work with experts and communities to ensure that economic and health recovery from the pandemic includes mental health and well-being?

CAPRI is developing reports on how different countries in the Asia Pacific are addressing mental health, identifying the political, cultural, and socioeconomic factors of how mental health is conceptualized by governments, health systems, and the public. The reports will also identify best practices, successful cases, and current policy initiatives in these countries to address challenges in mental health policy.