The day is aimed to bring literacy about mental health issues and advocate
the stigma associated with mental health. On 10th October 1992 the first
‘World Mental Health Day was observed. It began the annual movement of the
World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) by the, then Deputy
Secretary-General- Richard Hunter. The focus of WFMH has always been on
increasing the sensitivity of the general public toward mental health. It
wouldn’t be wrong to say that we have come a long way and grown as a society
on those lines.
"World Mental Health Day in 2023 will be celebrated on 10th
October."
Importance
Why World Mental Health Day Matters: Raising Awareness and Breaking
Stigmas.
There are numerous reasons for the same to start with-
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To acknowledge as a society that Mental Health Issues exist and need our
attention.
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To remove the shame associated with mental health issues.
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To make the people suffering from mental health issues feel
included.
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To release the stigma associated with seeking help.
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To encourage people battling in silence, to come forward and seek proper
care.
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To Increase sensitivity, care, and treatment options.
Mental Health Facts and Statistics: Understanding the Global Burden
Understanding the global burden of mental health is crucial in addressing the
challenges and providing support to individuals and communities affected by
mental illness. Mental health statistics worldwide shed light on the
prevalence, impact, and consequences of these conditions.
According to recent studies, mental illness affects a significant portion of
the global population. Approximately 1 in 4 people will experience a mental
health disorder at some point in their lives. This statistic highlights the
widespread nature of these conditions and emphasizes the need for increased
awareness and resources.
The impact of mental illness extends beyond individual well-being and has
far-reaching consequences for communities as well. It can lead to reduced
productivity, increased healthcare costs, and strained social support systems.
Moreover, untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions can contribute
to higher rates of unemployment, poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and
even suicide.
By understanding these facts and statistics surrounding mental health
globally, we can identify trends, gaps in care, and disparities that exist
across different populations. This knowledge serves as a foundation for
developing effective strategies to promote prevention, early intervention,
access to treatment services, and de-stigmatization efforts.
It is essential that we continue to raise awareness about mental health issues
on a global scale while advocating for improved resources and support
networks. By doing so, we can work towards reducing the burden of mental
illness on individuals as well as societies as a whole.
Historical Glimpse
Toward the start, the Day had no particular topic or theme. Its points were
general ones of ‘advancing psychological wellness support’ and instructing
people in general on important issues. In the initial three years, one of
the focal exercises to Stamp the Day was a two-hour broadcast universally
through the US data office satellite framework from studios in Tallahassee,
Florida. WFMH Board individuals took part from the studio, with live phone
interest from Australia, Chile, England, and Zambia, and pre-taped portions
from Geneva, Atlanta, and Mexico City.
In the main broadcast, we understood that we were, in reality, coming too
far abroad, in light of the fact that there was an unforeseen and
unscheduled call-in from Swaziland, where a gathering of WFMH individuals
had accumulated to view the program. Also, that year the absolute first of
many criticism reports came from Peru.
The primary subject - In 1994, at the idea of then Secretary-General Eugene
Brody, a subject for the Day was utilized interestingly. It was "Improving
the Quality of Mental Health Services all through the World." Feedback
reports were gotten from 27 nations not long after that crusade, with
prominent public missions in Australia and England. In numerous
nations, WFMHBoard individuals were instrumental in organizing occasions.
Within three years, the Day had become a significant event for intrigued
government divisions, associations and submitted people to organize projects
to zero in on parts of emotional wellness care.
Mental Health Day Themes
In 1995 an expansive scope of worldwide occasions was accounted for to the
WFMH Secretariat from around the world, going from a month-long arrangement
of occasions in Egypt to a meeting held by the French Federation for Mental
Health at the Ministry of Health, to a local area festivity in the small
Micronesian Islands in the Pacific. In the United Kingdom, where there was a
huge public program, likewise noticed the powerful occasion at the site of
the old London mental medical institute which gave an uproar, where numerous
volunteers, younger students, and youngsters with learning troubles planted
spring bulbs.
Soon after a theme was given based on the scenarios and struggles that
people are going through. Starting with Women and mental health (1996),
Children and mental health (1997), Mental health and human rights (1998),
Mental health and aging (1999), Mental health and work (2000-01), Effects of
Trauma and Violence (2002), Emotional and behavioural disorders (2003),
Relationship between Physical and mental health (2004), Mental and Physical
health across life span (2005), Building awareness: Reducing illness mental
health and suicide (2006), Mental health in changing world- impact of
culture and diversity (2007), Making mental health a global priority:
Scaling up services through citizen advocacy and action (2008), Mental
Health in primary care: Enhancing treatment and promoting mental health
(2009), Mental health and chronic physical illness (2010), The great push:
investing in mental health (2011), Depression: global crisis (2012), Mental
health and older adults (2013), Living with Schizophrenia (2014), Dignity in
mental health (2015), Psychological First Aid (2016), Mental health in
workplace (2017), Young people and Mental Health in a changing world (2018)
Mental health and suicide prevention (2019) and Move for mental health:
increase investment (2020).
Inclusive of all
Things have come a long way since the early 19th century. In the year 1995,
a specific note of the assistance offered by the Pan American Health
Organization. PAHO masterminded the interpretation of the arranging pack
material into Spanish and made 300 duplicates of the Spanish adaptation
accessible for circulation to its contacts in South America. Enlivened by
PAHO s drive, the Federation later orchestrated the interpretation and
printing of the arranging unit in French and Spanish. Numerous years after
the fact we have figured out how to make an interpretation of the material
into Spanish, French, Hindi, Russian, Japanese and Chinese, and
Arabic.
Taking Action: How to Get Involved in World Mental Health Day Initiatives
Getting involved in World Mental Health Day initiatives is a great way to show
support and contribute to the global conversation surrounding mental health.
There are several ways you can take action and make a difference.
One of the most impactful ways to support World Mental Health Day is by
participating in events or campaigns organized by mental health organizations
or local communities. These events can range from walks, runs, or fundraisers
that aim to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives. By
actively participating, you not only contribute to the cause but also help
reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Remember, every effort counts when it comes to supporting mental health
initiatives. By taking action and getting involved in World Mental Health Day
activities, you are contributing towards creating a more compassionate and
understanding society for individuals living with mental health challenges.
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