Sustainable Development Goals and Mental Health in South Asia

This book examines how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are related to mental health in South Asia. According to the World Health Organization, SDG 3 aims for "e;good health and well-being"e; which includes mental health. Just like physical health, mental well-being is important for individuals to thrive. Poor mental health can hinder progress in other areas like poverty reduction (SDG 1) or education (SDG 4). Mental illness can make it difficult to hold a job, stay in school, or manage daily life, increasing poverty and limiting opportunities. Hence, we can clearly understand the connection between good mental health and a sustainable future. The SDGs and their progress is one of the global priorities. However, no previous attempt has been made to discuss how the SDGs are related to mental health in South Asia which caters to a population of about 2 billion. This book is the first of its kind to do so.