Background
World Mental Health Day is celebrated globally on the 10th of October on an annual basis.
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), which was founded in 1948 created World Mental Health Day, which was first observed on the 10th of October 1992. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of metal health.”
The hashtag used for this event is #WorldMentalHealthDay.
Theme
For 2022, theme is “Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority”. This focuses on spreading awareness of mental health and to encourage individuals to share their stories about their mental health.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO): “Whilst the pandemic has, and continues to, take its toll on our mental health, the ability to reconnect through World Mental Health Day 2022 will provide us with an opportunity to re-kindle our efforts to protect and improve mental health.”
What can I do to improve my mental health?
According to mind.org.uk: “There are lots of things we can try to take care of our wellbeing. We have tips to help you:
- Relax and reduce stress
- Find ways to learn and be creative
- Spend time in nature
- Connect with others
- Look after your physical health
- Try to get enough sleep
It’s not always easy to start with caring for your wellbeing. You might find it helpful to:
- Only try what feels comfortable
- Give yourself time to figure out what works for you, going at your own pace
- Take small steps. Pick one or two things that feel achievable at first, before moving on to try other ideas.”
We discussed previously during Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place earlier in May on how one can improve their mental health and reduce loneliness, we recommend that you have a read of it here.
How do I join in World Mental Health Day?
You can join in World Mental Health Day by:
- Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information which details why World Mental Health Day is so important, you will help to raise awareness.
- Check in on your family and friends – By checking in on your family and friends, you can help them to open up about how they are feeling, what is worrying them and then assist them with their worries.
If I can’t join in World Mental Health Day, is there any other way to help?
If you would like to donate to a charity focused on mental health, we have listed a few below:
- Mind – “We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.” If you would like to donate to Mind, then please visit www.mind.org.uk/donate.
- Mental Health Foundation – “Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. With prevention at heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.” If you would like to donate to the Mental Health Foundation, then please visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/donate.
- World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) – “WFMH is an international membership organisation founded in 1948 to advance, among all people and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health.” If you would like donate to the WFMH then please visit wfmh.global/donate-now.
- Rethink – “As experts in mental illness, we know that with the right support and information people severely affected by mental illness can have a good quality of life. That’s why our aim is to meet each person’s individual needs and make sure everyone is living with a mental illness is treated with dignity and respect.” If you would like to donate to Rethink, then please visit my.rethink.org/donorhub.
If you feel that your mental health is being affected, be sure to reach out to your support system or a mental health support service as soon as possible.
We recommend that you get in touch with Able Futures, which is a government funded charity, which can provide a program/support for all matters relating to mental health, their website is able-futures.co.uk and their direct number is 0800 323 3137.