October: Mental Health Awareness Week and Day

We are approaching October 10th—World Mental Health Day! According to the World Health Organization, this day serves to raise awareness about mental illness and provoke efforts in support of mental health. Established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), this day is part of the week surrounding the 10th, known as World Mental Health Awareness Week. The focus is to promote open conversations around mental health and advocate for accessible mental health resources for all.

Over the years, there has been growing recognition of mental health as an integral part of overall health. Fortunately, in recent decades, more efforts have been made to raise awareness about the millions of people affected by mental illness, regardless of their intersectional identities. Although much progress has been made, we still have a long way to go in terms of destigmatization and the welfare of all individuals. Mental illness impacts 1 in 4 people throughout their lives, and discussing it helps foster a culture of acceptance and empathy (WHO). 

World Mental Health Day and Week are significant because they bring awareness to these topics, fostering a sense of community and support for those who are struggling, and reminding us all that we are not alone. By encouraging open conversations, we can also highlight the importance of early intervention while creating a safe space for individuals to share their lived experiences and seek support.

Sources
Brody EB. The World Federation for Mental Health: its origins and contemporary relevance to WHO and WPA policies. World Psychiatry. 2004 Feb;3(1):54-5. PMID: 16633456; PMCID: PMC1414666.

World Health Organization. (n.d.). World Mental Health Day. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day