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-
- To acknowledge as a society that Mental Health Issues exist and need our attention.
- To remove the shame associated with mental health issues.
- To make the people suffering from mental health issues feel included.
- To release the stigma associated with seeking help.
- To encourage people battling in silence, to come forward and seek proper care.
- 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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