World Mental Health Day is on October 10, and as our awareness of mental health expands, so do we. Since the early 1990s, when the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) was officially created the day, mental health has come a long way. Our increased self-awareness and sensitivity to it have improved things. Our language around mental health has improved as words like “mad,” and “lunatic” are used less casually, and we learn that they can be inadvertently cruel and stigmatizing. We’ve learned a lot, and there’s still much more we can do as a culture to progress.
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY’S HISTORY
The first World Mental Health Day was observed on October 10, 1992, at the request of Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter. Until 1994, the day had no specific topic other than broad mental health advocacy and public education.
At the request of then-Secretary General Eugene Brody, World Mental Health Day was first observed with a theme in 1994. The theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Worldwide.”
WHO supports World Mental Health Day by raising awareness of mental health concerns through its strong ties with health ministries and civil society organizations worldwide. WHO also assists in the creation of technical and communication products.
How to take part in WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY?
1-Do workplace group therapy.
Sign up for a group therapy class at your workplace. It might give you and your employees a comfortable space to express yourselves. We tend to believe that pushing through and carrying on is the best way, yet problems might occur suddenly if they are not appropriately addressed.
2-Self-care is essential.
You may make numerous improvements in your life that will last beyond World Mental Health Day. Creating a regular sleep regimen, changing your nutrition to healthier options, taking lunch breaks, and going on long walks are just a few ideas. The goal of self-care is to identify your unique requirements. Please ask yourself what you want and then go after it.
3-Stay to the concept.
Each year, a new theme is introduced, and you can still benefit from it even if it does not directly relate to your problems. Spend some time researching the topic. Beyond yourself, awareness can equip you with the tools you need to comprehend others better.
WHY IS THE WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY IMPORTANT?
1-Analyze the issue.
The concept of the mind is abstract, and today allows us to reflect on our thoughts. We are progressing beyond outdated perceptions and removing the stigma associated with mental health to diagnose and care for ourselves properly. The battle becomes much easier when the burden and fear of mental health issues are removed.
2-Share your sorrow.
This day reminds you that you are not alone in your struggles. We tend to believe that we are the only ones who are struggling. It’s encouraging to know that others have gone through it and come out on the other side. It serves as a reminder that you can overcome your pain.
3-Relevant treatment.
Our ability to seek appropriate treatment grows in tandem with our understanding of mental health. You can function at a higher level with the right therapist and medication—the greater our tolerance and investment in research and mental health care, the greater the global impact.
5 SURPRISING MENTAL HEALTH FACTS
Evil Spirit
Certain cultures believe that mental health issues are caused by spirit possession.
Global Figures
One in every four people will require mental health care at some point in their lives.
National Figures
More than 43 million Americans have a mental illness.
Depression in Adolescents
Since 2012, the rate of depression among adolescents has risen from 5.9% to 8.2%.
Limitations
The majority of Americans do not have access to adequate healthcare.
