World Mental Health Day: An Opportunity To Raise Awareness | Orlando Mental Health Counselor

What Is World Mental Health Day? 

World Mental Health Day, on October 10th, is a day for everyone to unite their efforts to improve the mental health of people around the world. The theme selected for this year’s Day is  “Mental health in an unequal world”.  While the COVID pandemic has affected everyone, it’s the people with long term health conditions, those on the front lines, women, children, young adults, people of color, and those parenting on their own that are experiencing challenges the most and need extra support.

World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10th 1992 as an annual activity of World Federation for Mental Health. Initially the day did not have a specific theme and its purpose was to promote mental health advocacy as well as educating the public on relevant issues. It wasn’t until the day became more known, and the focus on mental health grew, that the day was given a specific theme for each year. World Mental Health Day preparations are made months beforehand and in some countries the program stretches over the span of several days, or a week, or sometimes the entire month. World Mental Health day provides an opportunity to come together and act together for mental health issues that are currently affecting the world and ensure people are able to enjoy good mental health.

Why Is a Mental Health Day Important?

Studies show that people with mental health conditions are at higher risk of dying prematurely. Depression is one of the commonest mental health illnesses and is one of the leading causes of disability while suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, as per the World Health Organization. And as the need for more services, treatments, care, and resources grows, it is said that some services for mental, and neurological disorders have been significantly disrupted. Unfortunately, 93% of countries worldwide have had to disrupt or completely halt critical mental health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services and highlights the urgency for increased funding.

What To Do To Help!

Mental wellness has come to attention in pandemic times unlike any other major event. As individuals of all ages and occupations endure the worst part of the ‘new norm’. Healthcare and other front-line workers, students, individuals living alone, and those with previous psychological illness conditions have been especially affected.

As well as the treatment gap, we should be addressing work environment stress, help youths in schools as well as caregivers and families living with psychological wellness issues. We need to proactively break the stigma and discrimination related with psychological illnesses that creates obstructions to access care and treatment

World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to talk about mental health, how to break the stigma around it, and the importance of speaking out when struggling with a mental health issue.

Please be sure to check on your friends, acquaintances, and loved ones, even if they seem to be doing fine. Also, if you or anyone else is struggling with any sort of depression, anxiety, or any mental health illness, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. We are always here for you and you can reach one our our caring mental health counselors for help today at 407-248-0030 or a counselor near you. And if you’re not in one of our areas of service, please take a moment to see some of the national resources listed below.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA’s National Helpline:

1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En español 1-888-628-9454

Crisis Text Line

Text “HELLO” to 741741

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255

Disaster Distress Helpline

Call or text 1-800-985-5990

Contact social media outlets directly

Worried about something you saw someone post online? Above is a link to contact the social media platform directly and the platform will privately message them resources.