World Mental Health Day takes place every year on the 10th of October – but what is it?
World Mental Health Day has the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and opening discussions about what we can do, across the globe, to improve support for people struggling with their mental health. This year in particular, the theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘making mental health and wellbeing for all a priority’.
As part of this day, many people and organisations take part in fundraisers for mental health charities, social media campaigns, or events with the aim of raising awareness. For example, Mind are taking part in an awareness campaign, whereby they are providing a platform for people to share their stories through the medium of spoken word.
What is Mental Health?
Everybody has mental health, just like we all have physical health, and it is incredibly important that we look after our mental health. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, and can be impacted by various things, including biological factors, life experiences, or a family history of mental ill-health (Mentalhealth.gov, 2022).
Over recent years, there has been a significant push for an increase in mental health education and awareness, but we still have a long way to go. As somebody who has struggled with their mental health, it can often be hard to talk to others or share your experiences without fear of judgement. However, sharing these experiences and opening up about our mental health difficulties can be so empowering and can help to make the topic of mental health less of a taboo.
Why is World Mental Health Day so important?
World Mental Health Day creates a dedicated space, once per year, where everybody across the world is encouraged to think about and talk openly about mental health. Currently, approximately 98% of people believe that those who suffer from a mental health difficulty experience some level of stigma and discrimination (MentalHelp, 2022). World Mental Health Day is one of the many ways in which we can begin to hopefully reduce this stigma and encourage the world to be more understanding and supportive of people struggling with their mental health.
This year in particular, the focus is on making mental health a priority for all, regardless of their background. Mental health difficulties do not discriminate and can affect people from all walks of life. However, it is also important to consider how different cultures and communities of people may approach the topic of mental health, and the differing barriers to accessing support that may be in place for these communities.
Mental Health difficulties can have devastating impacts for people and their loved ones, and it is important that everyone feels comfortable to acknowledge when they need some help. So, hopefully by reducing stigma and identifying ways we can overcome barriers to accessing support, we can begin to create an environment where people struggling with their mental health are able to ask for help.
Although one day a year may not change the world, it is an excellent place to start.