10th October is observed as World Mental Health Day by the United Nations. This day aims at “raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.”
Mental health is a broad term that encompasses psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing. In short, it is how you feel, think, and behave. According to the World Health Organization, “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
In today’s times, mental health issues are becoming very common across the globe. However, there is still much stigma associated with such issues. World Mental Health day seeks to spread more awareness about mental health awareness and educate the public at large about such conditions.
This day was first observed in 1992 with no specific theme but with the general aim to spread awareness about mental health.
Some facts about mental health
Here are some shocking statistics that reinforce the importance of spreading awareness about mental health.
- Around 20 per cent of the children and adolescents in the world have mental disorders or problems.
- Mental disorders are also crucial risk factors for other illnesses and diseases.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
- Around 800,000 people die due to suicide each year.
Theme for World Mental Health Day 2019
The theme for the 2019 World Mental Health Day is ‘Working together to prevent suicide.’
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide. The WHO is promoting the World Mental Health Day in 2019 as ‘a day for 40 seconds of action.’ By means of this theme, it is encouraging people across the world to show that they care.
- raise awareness of suicide as a global health issue
- spread awareness of the measures that can be undertaken to reduce suicide
- lessen the stigma associated with suicide
- provide support to those struggling with mental health issues
So, this World Mental Day, spend a mere 40 seconds to do your bit towards mental health. Check up on those that might need help or lend an ear to those in need.
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