WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Observed on 10th October every year, World Mental Health Day is a global observance day aimed at spreading awareness about mental health issues. The day also gives all mental health workers like doctors, nurses and other professionals an opportunity to talk about their work and even a chance to dispel mental health myths. It’s unfortunate that most people talk about physical fitness but disregard mental health. When a man is tensed, stressed and anxious, he can’t live a happy life. Such a person needs support and understanding to live happily.

What is Mental Illness?

It is a health condition that causes severe disorder in someone’s thinking, behavior or both. Mentally ill people are characterized by strange thoughts, emotions and unstable relationships with others. Example of mental illnesses includes depression, bipolar, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, OCD, post-traumatic stress, intellectual disabilities, and disorders brought about by drug abuse. Some mental disorders are mild while others interfere with one’s daily life.

However, mental illnesses are treatable with correct diagnosis and treatment.

History of World Mental Health Day

Established by the World Federation for Mental Health, World Mental Health Day has been in observance since the year 1992. The holiday is marked yearly and in more than 150 countries.

It’s saddening that mental disorders affect approximately 12 percent of the world’s population. However, one in every four people across the globe can get full healing through proper diagnosis and treatment.

Over154 million people suffer from depression which ultimately leads to suicide in most cases.

Cases of mental illness continue to heighten in some countries due to the lack or inadequacy of mental health services. Most health service providers in these countries lack financial resources and qualified workforce to help diagnose and treat patients in the right way.

The federation aims at educating the public about mental health illnesses, end social stigma and mobilize efforts to support those suffering from such diseases. The federation pleads for funding and support from the governments, non-governmental organizations and other shareholders to help educate, diagnose and treat mental illnesses across the globe.

Is October a mental health awareness month?

Although the World Mental Health Day is observed in October, the awareness month falls on a different month. Since the year 1949, the United States has observed the mental health awareness month in May every year.

How to Celebrate World Mental Health Day

Mark the day by familiarizing yourself with mental illness than today. Check out the WHO website for campaign information, resources and awareness events that could be taking place near you. Common World Mental Health Day activities held on this day include art exhibitions, health fairs, and lecture seminars.

Evaluate your mental well being. Are you stressed? Are you always sad? Do you often have suicidal thoughts? Do you feel like you have no point of living? If you answered affirmatively to these questions, then you need to consult a mental health doctor. You should also indulge yourself in stress-relieving activities like yoga or meditation to relax your mind.

Educate others about mental illness. There is a significant number out there suffering from different mental disorders, but they do not know. Help them understand the signs to watch for and seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also help everyone understand that people living with mental illness need support and not stigmatization. While at it, do not forget to share your mental health messages on social media via the World Mental Health Day hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay.

Facts about Mental Illnesses

• Every year, more than 800000 depressed people across the world take their own lives.

• Only 3-5% of mentally ill persons show signs of violent acts. Therefore, it’s a myth that people with mental health problems are violent.

• War and disasters highly contribute to the affected people’s psychological and psychosocial well being.

• About 20% of children below the age of 14 suffer from various mental problems and disorders

• Stigmatization and discrimination against patients with mental health prevent them from seeking treatment.

How to Support Mental Health Patients

There is plenty you can do in support of world mental health day. Reach out to the patients and let them know you are available to help. Talk to them and assist them in accessing proper mental health services. Remember to treat them with respect and urge everyone else to stop defining them by using labels such as ‘crazy.’ You should also take this day to share with other facts about mental health and dispel common myths about mentally ill patients.

You can also support the World Federation for Mental Health by taking part in fundraisings. By donating a few dollars, it goes a long way in helping people with mental disorders access quality treatment from qualified personnel.

The Color of World Mental Health Day

The World Mental Health Day color is lime green. Most people wear lime green bracelets, ribbons and T-shirts as a way of promoting this day.