Over the years, TODAY’s Carson Daly has shared his experiences with anxiety And panic attacks and the healthy ways he learned to look after his mental well-being. This is why he is such a big supporter of celebrating World Mental Health Day. But what is World Mental Health Day and how to celebrate it?
For the occasion, Carson spoke with Phil Schermer, CEO of Healthy Minds Projecton the importance of mental health.
“It should be as easy to find mental health services in America as it is to book a flight or a hotel or a restaurant,” Schermer told Daly during an Oct. 10 segment.
But unfortunately, the need for stronger mental health care is great: About 65 million Americans suffer from mental illness, and about 60 percent of them receive no treatment.
“We’re trying to help 10 million Americans over the next 10 years find mental health services,” Schermer said. “All Americans across the country participate in World Mental Health Day because there is not a single family member who is not affected by mental health.”
Why is mental health important?
Mental health problems can affect people in all aspects of their lives, from work, to school, to home and other social settings. They can also have an impact on your relationships, which are a key factor in long-term happiness.
According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), each year, one in five American adults suffers from mental illness, and one in 20 experiences a serious mental illness. Mental illness remains complex, according to NAMI, with genetics, environment and lifestyle all playing a role. The organization emphasizes that people with mental illness did nothing to cause it and that no one should be ashamed of having a mental health problem.
What is the purpose of World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year, raises awareness about mental health and the role it plays in the lives of people across the world. The World Health Organization declares.
The day gives experts and advocates the opportunity to talk about efforts to increase access to mental health care and what remains to be done to ensure that everyone who needs it receives good mental health care. Another aim of World Mental Health Day is to encourage people to take time to reflect on their own mental health status, discuss what mental wellbeing means and advocate for better care mental health.
What is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2023?
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Our Minds, Our Rights”, highlighting the importance of the fact that “mental health is a universal human right”. According to the WHO. “Mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone. Everyone, wherever and whoever they are, has the right to the best possible state of mental health,” affirms the organization.
Worldwide, one in eight people live with a mental health problem, which impacts their physical and social health. More and more children, adolescents and young adults are struggling with mental illness.
Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, the organization notes that people with mental illness face discrimination, feel excluded, and struggle to receive much-needed care that would help them thrive.
How to celebrate World Mental Health Day?
The Health Minds Project offered a spinning session, community run, breathing exercises and sound bath to help people focus on the mind-body connection to support healthy mental wellbeing. The organization and many others will host conversations about mental health on October 10.
Carson will also speak with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and others about social media and youth at the Archewell Foundation Parent Summit.
But the simplest way to celebrate World Mental Health Day is to take the time to prioritize your own mental wellbeing, whether that’s by take a mental health day at work, exercise, eat a nutritious meal, or do any other activity that makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated — and simply talk frankly about your mental health. You can post with #WorldMentalHealthDay.
Carson explained how talking can make a difference for people who are struggling.
“I’ve noticed since telling my story (that) when one person tells their story, it allows 10 other people to tell their story, and that’s the tidal wave waiting to happen in the conversation,” he said.
