WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Mon 10 October 2022:

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 around the world with the aim of raising awareness about mental health issues and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. and the reasons why people should never ignore their mental health problems. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on people’s mental health and still does, as per the World Health Organization, World Mental Health Day in 2022 will provide a chance to reignite the efforts to safeguard and advance mental health.

WHO further reported that before the pandemic in 2019, at least one out of eight people around the world was afflicted by a mental condition. In addition, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, the services, expertise, and financing for mental health remain in limited supply and are well short of what is required.

According to WHO, “The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fueling short- and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic.” It further added, “At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.”

World Mental Health Day History

The World Federation for Mental Health organised an unscheduled activity on October 10 in the year 1992. Although there was no specified theme that year, raising awareness of the issue and educating the public about mental health served as the activity’s primary guiding principle. The first theme, which intended to raise the quality of mental health services worldwide, was established in the year 1994.

World Mental Health Day Theme

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority” and has been set by the World Federation for Mental Health. Further, WHO in collaboration with partners will launch a campaign revolving around the theme. This will be a chance for those who have mental health issues, advocates, governments, employers, employees, and other stakeholders to come together to acknowledge progress in this area and to be vocal about what needs to be done to ensure this year’s theme for everyone.

World Mental Health Day significance

As people, communities, and governments, all must try to increase the value and dedication regarding mental health issues. Everyone must match that value with more commitment, involvement, and investment from all stakeholders, across all industries. People must improve mental health services so that the complete range of mental health requirements is satisfied by a network of locally based, easily accessible, reasonably priced, and high-quality services and supports.

Status of mental health across the world

The report on the status of mental health across the world is based on the WHO data published earlier this year:

1. At least one in seven world’s adolescents suffer from mental health disorders.
2. Depression is the most common mental health disorder, at least 5% of adults globally suffer from it, says WHO.
3. More than 700,000 people die by suicide every year.
4. Globally, suicide accounts for one in 100 deaths.
5. People with severe mental disorders are likely to die at least 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population
6. At least 40% of low-income countries do not include essential medicines like lithium carbonate mood stabilisers for bipolar disorder which have been on the WHO Model list for decades.
7. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds across the world.
8. At least one in nine people in settings affected by conflict have a moderate or severe mental health disorder.
9. WHO data shows that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a 25% increase in cases of anxiety and depression.

Therefore, to have different events and programmes in line with World Mental Health Day whose primary goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues across the world.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), practising self-care can help you manage stress, increase energy and lower your risk of falling sick. Here are some of the ways recommended by the NIMH that you can practice self-care to improve both your physical and mental health:

1. Exercise regularly: According to NIMH, just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Even small amounts of exercise can add up and do not be discouraged after just one time.

2. Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated: A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve one’s energy and focus throughout the day, this also includes limiting the intake of caffeinated beverages coffee and soft drinks.

3. Prioritising sleep: Make a schedule and stick to it to make sure you are getting enough sleep. This also includes limiting your exposure to blue light from screens and devices before bedtime as it can make it difficult to fall asleep.

4. Try relaxing activities: One can do this by exploring various relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which tend to incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. This could also include journaling and other regular activities that can help you relax.

5. Setting goals and priorities: For this recommendation, the idea is to decide what must get done now and what can wait, including learning how to say “no” when the tasks start piling up and become overwhelming. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished through the day as opposed to what you were unable to, says NIMH.

6. Stay connected: Reach out to family and friends who can help provide emotional support in times of difficulty.

7. Practising gratitude: This includes reminding yourself of daily things you are grateful for, be specific. One can also write it down or replay it in their mind.

These steps are not definite or work for everyone since everyone’s idea of self-care is different. It will take a lot of trial and error to discover and understand what works best for you. It is also “not a cure” for mental illnesses but understanding what causes or triggers your symptoms and how to best cope with them.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
https://twitter.com/IpIndependent