World Mental Health Day is October 10th. In all countries across the globe, the pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health care and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. At the same time, a WHO survey conducted in mid-2020 clearly showed that services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders had been significantly disrupted during the pandemic.
However there is some cause for optimism! During the World Health Assembly in May 2021, governments from around the world recognized the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels. They endorsed the WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, including the plan’s updated implementation options and indicators for measuring progress.
It’s time to capitalize on this renewed energy among government leaders to make quality mental health care for all a reality. World Mental Health Day presents an opportunity for government leaders, civil society organizations, and many others to talk about the steps they are already taking, and that they intend to take, in support of this goal.
You may be wondering how to raise awareness for mental health. Here are some simple ideas that anyone can to help raise awareness.
Take a free mental health screening. Visit MHAscreening.org and take a mental health screening. Afterward, you can share on social media that you used the tool and you can encourage others to do the same.
Spread messages of hope and awareness. People who are suffering from mental health issues often feel isolated. Consider sharing the resources below online so that people know they aren’t alone. Use the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay when posting so that more people see your message.
Take time for your mental health. It is important to be aware of your mental health status, too. Be sure to practice self-care and preserve your mental health. Making time for self-care to keep yourself healthy both mentally and physically is a healthy lifelong habit to practice.
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to empower people to look after their own mental health and provide support to others. Materials have been released (see below) by the WHO to help people living with one of the most common mental health conditions, depression.
Consider sharing these resources online to spread awareness for World Mental Health Day.
If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health issues, please know that you are not alone. Call the SAMHSA's National Helpline, at 1-800-487-4889. This is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
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