Embedded Files
A Global Map for a Global Movement
A Global Map for a Global Movement
Update August 2026
Update August 2026
This month we are reviewing and updating the GMH-related materials on this site. The materials on the various site pages
are not meant to be comprehensive but rather to reflect developments and resources over the past several years. As expectied, several of the links may no longer work and hence one has to research to find them online or elsewhere.
The materials provide a very good "paper trail" for tracking with GMH history.
Suggestions are welcome!
-------------
This month we are reviewing and updating the GMH-related materials on this site. The materials on the various site pages
are not meant to be comprehensive but rather to reflect developments and resources over the past several years. As expectied, several of the links may no longer work and hence one has to research to find them online or elsewhere.
The materials provide a very good "paper trail" for tracking with GMH history.
Suggestions are welcome!
-------------
This site is part of the GMH-Map project which was set up in 2011 to further orient colleagues to Global Mental Health (GMH). The project has complemented the many efforts to develop GMH around the world, to work collaboratively across sectors, and to promote sustainable wellbeing for all people and the planet. Click here for information about the GMH-Map Project.
This site is part of the GMH-Map project which was set up in 2011 to further orient colleagues to Global Mental Health (GMH). The project has complemented the many efforts to develop GMH around the world, to work collaboratively across sectors, and to promote sustainable wellbeing for all people and the planet. Click here for information about the GMH-Map Project.
In January 2018 we began scaling back this website in light of the development of other internet-based mechanisms to track with GMH, some of the main ones being the GMH Action Network, the Mental Health Innovation Network, MINDbank, and the WHO Mental Health Newsletter. We continue to update it with some of the new GMH-related resources. Since 2020, we have also included more resources related to another strategic domain that overlaps with GMH--Global Psychology.
In January 2018 we began scaling back this website in light of the development of other internet-based mechanisms to track with GMH, some of the main ones being the GMH Action Network, the Mental Health Innovation Network, MINDbank, and the WHO Mental Health Newsletter. We continue to update it with some of the new GMH-related resources. Since 2020, we have also included more resources related to another strategic domain that overlaps with GMH--Global Psychology.
Kelly O'Donnell, PsyD and Michele Lewis O'Donnell, PsyD
Member Care Associates: MCAresources@gmail.com.
--------------------------
Kelly O'Donnell, PsyD and Michele Lewis O'Donnell, PsyD
Member Care Associates: MCAresources@gmail.com.
--------------------------
Getting Oriented to GMH
Getting Oriented to GMH
Explore our GMH materials from GMH-Map.
The list includes publications and presentations (2011-2026).
Explore our GMH materials from GMH-Map.
The list includes publications and presentations (2011-2026).
Watch the foundational GMH TEDTalk by Dr. Vikram Patel:
Mental Health for All by Involving All (2012).
Watch the foundational GMH TEDTalk by Dr. Vikram Patel:
Mental Health for All by Involving All (2012).
Read GMH: Collaborating for Sustainable Development and Wellbeing.
O'Donnell, K., Eaton, J., & Lewis O'Donnell, M. Chapter one in
Behavioral Science and Health in the Global Arena--Volume Two (2022).
Read GMH: Collaborating for Sustainable Development and Wellbeing.
O'Donnell, K., Eaton, J., & Lewis O'Donnell, M. Chapter one in
Behavioral Science and Health in the Global Arena--Volume Two (2022).
----------
GMH Defined
GMH Defined
"GMH is a growing domain of study, research, and practice which promotes equitable mental health and wellbeing for all--locally through globally. It is international, interdisciplinary, culturally-relevant, and multi-sectoral; emphasizes the right to health and equity in health; encourages healthy behaviors and lifestyles; is committed to preventing and treating mental, neurological, and substance use conditions (MNS) especially for vulnerable populations (e.g., in settings of poverty, conflict, calamity, and trauma) and in low- and middle-income countries; and seeks to improve policies and programs; professional practices and research; advocacy and awareness; and social, structural, systemic, and environmental factors that affect mental health and wellbeing." (2023) Based on GMH: Collaborating for Sustainable Development and Wellbeing (2022) and on the initial definition in GMH: Finding Your Niches and Networks (2012)
"GMH is a growing domain of study, research, and practice which promotes equitable mental health and wellbeing for all--locally through globally. It is international, interdisciplinary, culturally-relevant, and multi-sectoral; emphasizes the right to health and equity in health; encourages healthy behaviors and lifestyles; is committed to preventing and treating mental, neurological, and substance use conditions (MNS) especially for vulnerable populations (e.g., in settings of poverty, conflict, calamity, and trauma) and in low- and middle-income countries; and seeks to improve policies and programs; professional practices and research; advocacy and awareness; and social, structural, systemic, and environmental factors that affect mental health and wellbeing." (2023) Based on GMH: Collaborating for Sustainable Development and Wellbeing (2022) and on the initial definition in GMH: Finding Your Niches and Networks (2012)
"We acknowledge, with much appreciation, that many of the developments and directions in GMH are being shaped and implemented by colleagues out of the spotlight, on the ground, in the trenches—often unrecognized and under-funded. Thank you for your commitment and perseverance! 'All that is gold does not glitter.' Tolkien" O'Donnell, Eaton, Lewis O'Donnell (2021)
WHO World Mental Health Report (2022)
"Mental health is critically important to everyone, everywhere. All over the world, mental health needs are high but responses are insufficient and inadequate. The World mental health report: transforming mental health for all is designed to inspire and inform better mental health for everyone everywhere. Drawing on the latest evidence available, showcasing examples of good practice from around the world, and voicing people’s lived experience, it highlights why and where change is most needed and how it can best be achieved. It calls on all stakeholders to work together to deepen the value and commitment given to mental health, reshape the environments that influence mental health, and strengthen the systems that care for mental health."
We strongly encourage psychology and mental health-related training programs--and related health disciplines--to include this Report as a core text in at least one of their courses and in general in their training programs. Note the updated data chapter, WHO 2025. The same recommendation is for the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030. We consider both of these items to be "GMH Bookends" that help to shape and support GMH resources/efforts across sectors and settings, countries and cultures. A third highly-recommended resource is Mental Health for Sustainable Development: A Topic Guide for Development Professionals (K4D Emerging Issues Report, 2020).
Book Series: Behavioral Science in the Global Arena, Psychology Coalition at the United Nations (PCUN). New authors and ideas are welcome for upcoming chapters/volumes (colleagues and graduate students in mental health and other sectors). Contact Dr. Elaine Congress, the co-editor of this book series congress@fordham.edu
.--Volume One: Addressing Timely Issues at the United Nations and Beyond (2020)
--Volume Two: Global Mental, Spiritual Social Health (2022)
--Volume Three: Global Health Trends and Issues (2022)
--Volume Four: Children Around the World: The Future of Our Earth (2024)
--New! Volume Five: Global Perspectives on Gender (2026)
--More volumes are en route.
New!
GMH Resource Repositories
1. Compendium of WHO HQ Mental Health Documents 2001-2025
Mental Health Innovation Network (11 March 2026)
Oxford Bibliographies , Rich, G. & O'Donnell, K. (2023, to be updated every few years)
A public repository addressing power, organisational culture, and wellbeing in aid organisations (July 2023)
Special News 2025-2026
Special News 2025-2026
Church Mental Health Summit. 7-9 October 2026. "A global online gathering for ministry leaders who want to care with confidence, wisdom, and compassion. Join thousands of pastors, care teams, counselors, and church volunteers who are building cultures of care in their churches and communities."
Working With Graphic Content: What Leaders Need to Know (Free Webinar July 23). KonTerra Group. "Many organizations are aware that working with graphic or distressing content takes a toll on staff wellbeing. However, fewer really understand what this cumulative exposure can do to organizational performance, judgment, and decision-making over time. The evidence is consistent: sustained exposure to graphic content shifts how decisions get made—especially late in shifts or across high-volume caseloads. And this dynamic is not about individual weakness; it is about predictable human responses to a sustained load that must be accounted for at the leadership level." Content recording will be available. See the website and/or contact KonTerra.
The theme for Global Integrity Day-9 June 2026 (GID) is Breaking the Bonds of Exploitation: Solidarity Against Corruption and Crime. How can we support the collaborative efforts between civil society and governments to fight corruption and crime? How can we participate in these efforts to protect and restore people and the planet from exploitation? s). Power point video (13 minutes) and audio (13 minutes). Power point slides/notes HERE.
"World leaders adopt a historic global declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health"—UN General Assembly (WHO news update 16 December 2025)
Psychology Day at the UN 2026 (23 April 2026) Theme: Psychological Contributions to Fostering Collective--Action in Uncertain Times: Advancing Human Rights in a World in Conflict.--Four sub-themes:
1. Peacebuilding and collective healing
2. Climate anxiety to climate action
3. Global migration and human rights
4. Advancing gender equality through intersectional allyship
Psychology Day at the UN 2026 (23 April 2026) Theme: Psychological Contributions to Fostering Collective--Action in Uncertain Times: Advancing Human Rights in a World in Conflict.--Four sub-themes:
1. Peacebuilding and collective healing
2. Climate anxiety to climate action
3. Global migration and human rights
4. Advancing gender equality through intersectional allyship
--World Mental Health Day (10 October 2025)
Theme: Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies--Toolkit from WFMH
--Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit
Doha, Qatar, 30 September-1 October 2025 (#6). Theme: Transforming MH through Investment, Innovation, and Digital Solutions
--Mental Health at the High-Level Political Forum and Beyond. (14 July 2025) "This virtual side event, cosponsored by the American Psychological Association, the Global Psychology Alliance, the Permanent Missions to the United Nations from Mexico and Qatar, and the World Health Organization, will address the importance of mental health at the United Nations (UN) High-Level Political Forum as well as how [it] aligns with other ongoing efforts to mainstream and advance mental health within the UN system."
--Psychology Day at the United Nations (25 April 2025) "From Crisis to Growth: Psychological Contributions to Building Global Resilience."
--Division 52: International Psychology (American Psychological Association) has been renamed Society for Global Psychology!
Featured Highlights 2025-2026
--MHIN News (July 2026)
--GMH Action Network Newsletter (June 2026)
--United for GMH Newsletter (June 2026)
--WHO Mental Health Newsletter (May 2026)
--International Psychology Bulletin (February 2026)
Psychological self-help interventions, featuring Step-by-Step and Doing What Matters in Times of Stress. WHO (2026)
Annual report 2025: Mental health and psychosocial support. UNHCR (2026)
From staff burnout to human security: Stress governance in humanitarian systems. Raymond Saner and Lichia Saner-Yiu,, Centre for Socio-Eco-Nomic Development, Geneva, Switzerland. GHES 2026, 4(2). (12 June 2026)
Updated trends in the global prevalence and burden of mental disorders, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, The Lancet, Volume 407, Issue 10543p2040-2064May 23, 2026.
O’Donnell, K. & Lewis O’Donnell, M. Wellbeing for all people and the planet: Into the global fray as mental health professionals. Christian Psychology Around the World. Number 24, Dec 2025 (pp. 84-103). (pre-published version HERE with links in-text and reference section)
--World Mental Health Today (Sept 2025) WHO. This report updates the data chapter in the WHO 2022 World Mental Health Report (64 pages).
--Scaling Mental Health Access: Case Studies and Practices for Public Sector Integration. Daisy Rosales and Su Balasubramanian, Catalyst Now Mental Health Collaboration (January 2025)
--Mental Health Atlas 2024: (Sept 2025) "The WHO Mental Health Atlas is a critical instrument to hold governments accountable and accelerate change. Shining a spotlight on the state of mental health systems worldwide makes it clear where progress is lagging and where urgent action is needed. The Atlas gives advocates, policymakers, and communities the evidence they need to demand more substantial investments, fairer access, and more humane policies..."
--GMH Action Network's Briefs and Guides section.
--Foundational Helping Skills Training Manual: A Competency-Based Approach for Training Helpers to Support Adults (2025), WHO and UNICEF
--Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans: Five Modules (2025).
--WHO Guidance on Policy and Strategic Actions to Protect and Promote Mental Health Across Government Sectors, "The guidance covers 10 sectors--from education, justice and employment to housing, environment and interior-- helping countries embed mental health in national policies and plans of these sectors, address the social and structural drivers that shape mental health, and put participation, equity and human rights at the centre of government policy and strategies." Note--WHO Guidance on MH Policy and Action Plans--Five Modules (2025)
Keep in the forefront the opportunities for “selfless moral struggle” in partnering with others (Patel et al. 2011, p. 90) and the “duty and choice to risk one’s owns rights and well-being” on behalf of fellow humans (O’Donnell, 2011, p. 187). Develop your personal character and professional competence as a responsible global citizen. Form a global caravan for your GMH journey in the service of humanity.
Adapted from GMH: A Resource Primer for Exploring the Domain, 2012)
10 October 2017: Celebrating World Mental Health Day together at the O'Donnell's home in France outside of Geneva,
following the WHO mhGAP Forum, continuing the conversations and connecting as friends and colleagues over dinner.
GMH: Into the Future--Together!
"The GMH community must join others in the international, multi-sectoral community to advocate for solidarity in common efforts for sustainable development, locally and globally, to stir up and consolidate the best that we can be as individuals and institutions, including: greater empathy for others and mutual reliance on others; greater existential awareness of our finiteness and sense of meaning in life; and greater engagement with others for the common good and protection of the most vulnerable as well as the planet. Positively, the protracted COVID-19 pandemic provides plenty of opportunities for us all--personally, locally, and internationally--to reflect on the types of people we want to be and the types of societies we need to build. Many conversations have been started on the basis of the experience of the pandemic, which must now be operationalized into practical approaches to achieve the types of changes we have to make.
If we are to learn lessons and move towards a new way of realizing mental health and wellbeing for all, we must persevere in calling for policy and action that has compassion, equity, and rights at its heart. The call is a summons for humanity—humans helping humans. It is everyone’s responsibility. Stay the course!"
GMH: Collaborating for Sustainable Development and Wellbeing (2022). O'Donnell, K., Eaton, J., & Lewis O'Donnell, M. In E.P. Congress, H. Takooshian, & S. Osborn (Eds.), Behavioral Science and Health in the Global Arena.
The GMH-Map web site is managed by Member Care Associates, Inc. (MCA). MCA is a non-profit organization working internationally and across sectors, based in the Geneva area. We provide and develop member care resources to support the wellbeing and effectiveness of staff and their organisations (WE). In addition to member care, we consult, train, and publish in the areas of global mental health (GMH-Map), integrity/anti-corruption (Global Integrity), and humanity care (Global Integration) within the context of sustainable development for all persons, peoples, and the planet. Coordinators: Kelly O'Donnell, PsyD and Michèle Lewis O'Donnell, PsyD MCAresources@gmail.com
Click HERE to see the site's intial organizational endorsers.
The materials and views expressed on this site are those of the authors-contributors only and not necessarily those of Member Care Associates, Inc. or the site endorsers.
"The challenges and goals, as we see it, continue to center around...
the collaborative, equitable, scaled up, and sustainable implementation of mental health
that is community-based, culturally relevant, and evidence-based, integrated into the wholistic welbeing of all people and all peoples, especially the most vulnerable/neglected. "
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse