• Mental health affects nearly one-third of the population, contributing to chronic diseases and socioeconomic challenges. 

• Speaking at the launch symposium of the Public Mental Health Lab at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Karestan Koenen, professor of psychiatric epidemiology, emphasized the need to shift from traditional treatment models to prevention-focused, population-based strategies.

•  Recommendations included implementing paid family leave, food security programs, and housing stability measures to alleviate economic stressors, alongside evidence-based practices such as forest bathing, mindfulness, and exercise to reduce anxiety and depression. 

• The role of technological innovations, such as digital mental health platforms and app-based PTSD therapies, was also highlighted as a scalable solution for resource-limited settings. 

• Koenen called for increased funding, research, and public awareness to elevate mental health to the same priority level as physical health, transforming societal approaches to this urgent public health issue.

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