World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10, aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being and protecting mental health. Activities such as seminars, workshops and conferences are organized globally to raise awareness about mental health issues and ways to manage and prevent them.
Maintaining good mental health is crucial for overall bodily functions. Mental health problems, including depression, affect not only emotional well-being, but also individuals’ physical health and livelihoods. According to the World Health Organization, one in eight people worldwide live with mental health problems, with increasing numbers of adolescents and young people affected.
There is still a stigma associated with mental health issues. Discrimination against patients with mental disorders often leads to the denial of their basic human rights. World Mental Health Day serves as a platform to dispel myths, reduce stigma and eliminate discrimination related to mental health issues. The main goal of this day is to ensure accessible mental health care for everyone around the world.
World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues internationally and mobilize efforts to support mental health. It provides an opportunity for stakeholders involved in mental health issues to discuss their work and advocate for increased efforts to make mental health care a reality for populations around the world, as reported by WHO.
History
The concept of observing a day dedicated to mental health awareness was initially suggested in 1992 at the World Federation for Mental Health congress held in Cape Town, South Africa. Following the approval of this proposal, the first Mental Health Day was celebrated on October 10, 1992.
Additionally, World Mental Health Day honors the founding of the World Federation for Mental Health in 1948. This organization plays a vital role in raising awareness of mental health worldwide and advocating for the rights of people facing mental health problems.
Theme
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental health is a universal human right”. This theme aims to improve understanding, raise awareness and encourage efforts that support and protect the mental health of every individual as a fundamental human right, as declared by the World Health Organization.
Importance
The objectives of World Mental Health Day include raising awareness about various mental health issues and their management, combating stigma, dispelling myths and encouraging people to seek help for their mental health issues. mental health without feeling anxious or embarrassed.
Additionally, the day aims to educate individuals on methods to safeguard their mental well-being, emphasizing that mental health is just as crucial as physical health and should not be neglected for any reason. It promotes inclusion and advocates for the rights of people with mental illness, urging them to seek support from mental health professionals, friends or family without fear or shame.
World Mental Health Day also advocates for mental health advocates, policymakers and stakeholders to allocate resources to improve mental health services and support networks. It focuses on addressing global mental health issues through international collaborations and strives to create a culture in which mental health is viewed with the same seriousness as any other physical health issue.
This day is an opportunity for mental health professionals, organizations and advocates to establish policies and services that benefit people experiencing mental health issues.
Published on: Sunday, October 8, 2023, 3:26 PM IST
