Health is one of the most fundamental elements of well-being in any society. Therefore, individual health is the foundation of a healthy society. Health encompasses various dimensions, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. Today, the importance of mental health and its impact on other dimensions of health is clear and evident, such that it can be said that achieving other aspects of health is impossible without mental health.

On the occasion of Mental Health Week, Dr. Maryam Shayan, the Director of the Community-Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, emphasized that due to numerous economic and social challenges worldwide, mental health has often been overlooked. She stressed the need for special attention to ensuring access to mental health services for all segments of society.

She further explained that the slogan for World Mental Health Day in 2022 was "Mental health and well-being for all must be a global priority."

Dr. Shayan mentioned that in Iran, from October 10 to 16, Mental Health Week is observed, with the primary goal of promoting awareness and changing attitudes toward mental health issues. She added that given the significant role of social and psychological health in preventing social harm, as well as fostering social vitality and increasing social capital, emphasizing proper policies in the field of mental health is crucial in preventing the rise of psychological disorders in society. Therefore, the slogan for the first day of Mental Health Week in Iran (Sunday, October 10) was chosen as "The Role of Policymakers in Equitable Access to Mental Health Services."