Observed annually on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is a public awareness day aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues worldwide.

It also provides an opportunity for mental health workers, doctors, nurses, and other professionals to dispel myths about mental health, reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, and help individuals recognize when they or their loved ones may need to seek treatment. This day has been observed internationally since 1992.

History of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day traces its origins back to 1992, when it became a significant initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, an international organization with members in over 150 countries.
Now, the day is observed every year on October 10th. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an action plan to address mental health issues through 2020.
This plan includes strengthening leadership in mental health, expanding comprehensive mental health services in communities, implementing prevention strategies, and enhancing educational systems and research programs to treat mental health problems.

Facts About Mental Health

Approximately 12% of the global population is affected by mental disorders, equating to about 1 in 4 people or nearly 500 million individuals who could benefit from proper diagnosis and treatment.
In 2002, the World Health Organization reported that over 150 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In some countries, mental health services are either non-existent or inadequate.
This is often due to a lack of financial resources and staff to diagnose and treat patients effectively, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, increased funding is needed for the education, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses.

Observing World Mental Health Day

Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) selects a theme for World Mental Health Day to highlight a specific aspect of mental health. For instance, the theme in 2013 was “Mental Health and Older Adults,” in 2015, it was “Dignity in Mental Health,” and in 2016, “Psychological First Aid.”
World Mental Health Day is celebrated in over a hundred countries, leading to a variety of events and programs at local, regional, national, and international levels.
Activities include public service announcements, art exhibitions, official signings of World Mental Health Day proclamations, lectures, seminars, and health fairs. Academic events also take place, where mental health professionals gather to share and disseminate research on various mental health issues.