October 10 is World Mental Health Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes this day each year to raise awareness about mental health all over the world and to shine a spotlight on the initiatives designed and developed to promote mental health. Started in 1992, World Mental Health Day has had several themes ranging from “Mental Health in the Workplace” (2017) to this year’s theme - “Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All A Global Priority”.
What You Need to Know
More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from some type of mental disorder including addiction and schizophrenia. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified psychological distress as it continues its reign across the world. Suicide levels are at an all time high. Additionally, according to one WHO-led study, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy more than $1 trillion dollars per year.
Public education about mental health and access to mental health services for all socioeconomic statuses is an ongoing campaign. Thanks to organizations such as the World Federation of Mental Health and its founder Richard Hunter (creator of World Mental Health Day) people have more knowledge than ever about the plight of mental health disorders.
Want to become involved?
Continue educating yourself and your network and become actively involved by visiting the following sites:
- World Psychiatric Association (WPA) – wpanet.org
- World Health Organization (WHO) – who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2022
- United Nations (UN) – un.org/en/healthy-workforce/world-mental-health-day