The main goals of World Mental Health Day are to mobilise support for mental health and increase awareness of global mental health challenges. The Day offers an opportunity for all parties involved in mental health issues to discuss their work and what else needs to be done to ensure that mental health care is available to everyone in the world.
In order to advance knowledge, create awareness, and inspire activities that promote and preserve everyone's mental health as a universal human right, communities and individuals can come together in support of the topic "Mental health is a universal human right" on World Mental Health Day in 2023. All persons have the fundamental right to mental health. Everyone has a right to the best possible level of mental health, no matter who they are or where they live. This encompasses the right to be safeguarded against threats to one's mental health, the right to readily available, palatable, and high-quality care, as well as the right to liberty, independence, and inclusion in society. Our physical and mental wellbeing are interdependent. However, one in eight people worldwide suffer from mental health disorders, which can have an adverse effect on their physical health, general wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, and ability to earn a living. Teenagers and young adults are becoming more and more affected by mental health issues.
History
On October 10, 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation with operations in more than 150 countries, established the first World Mental Health Day. Richard Hunter, the World Federation for Mental Health's deputy secretary general, proposed the proposal in 1992.
Before 1994, there was no set topic for the day; instead, the major goal was to raise awareness of general concerns relating to mental health. Later in 1994, the day was observed based on the theme, which for that year was "Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World," as suggested by Eugene Brody, then Secretary General of the World Federation for Mental Health. Since then, the World Federation for Mental Health has declared a specific topic to encourage and inform people about mental health problems, their preventions, and supports in order to improve opportunities for those who are mentally ill.
Importance
As everyone is aware, a person's mental health significantly influences the development of a healthy society and country. In order to live a decent, balanced life, one must be in good physical and mental health. Recent unprecedented global events like the COVID pandemic and Wars have brought about a global crisis for mental health, affecting millions of people worldwide. To help combat the treatment gap and facilities needed to support mental health, organisations and policymakers around the world must pay close attention and actively participate.
By organising different awareness initiatives and encouraging others to join and take advantage of the opportunity to grasp the value of mental health in their surroundings, World Mental Health Day plays a significant role in uniting people to support one another in the battle against mental health concerns. Additionally, it provides impacted individuals with a global forum to interact with other concerned communities, express their opinions, and speak out about their suffering and the need for supportive action.
Theme 2023
The World Federation for Mental Health established World Mental Health Day on October 10, 1992, and it has been observed on this date ever since. World Mental Health Day's objectives are to "raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health," according to a concise definition provided by the World Health Organisation. The subject of World Mental Health Day in 2018 was "Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority," however the theme for 2023 is "Celebrate the Power of Community Kindness."
What does it mean to be truly healthy and how is mental health assessed?
Perhaps Krishnamurti's most famous comment, which is extensively circulated online, is "It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Krishnamurti may not have used these exact words, but he frequently returned to the same issue and made similar claims over the years. So how is health, especially mental health, to be measured if not in connection to society? What does it mean to be truly healthy? As we'll see in this essay, which is made up of a carefully chosen selection of text and video excerpts, Krishnamurti's concept of mental health goes much beyond what society considers to be healthy. It challenges the constrained viewpoints of analysts, psychologists, and religions and instead reveals an unwavering order, harmony, and sanity.
Effective strategies for raising awareness of mental health.
Be vociferous and approach mental health issues with an open mind. Maintain awareness of the warning signs and symptoms of mental illnesses. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, persistent melancholy, antisocial behaviour, and mood swings are a few of the major warning signs. Be sympathetic and considerate of others. Do not be reluctant to promote and utilise free mental health screenings. Take part in the cause's awareness campaign and show your support. To improve your own and your family's mental health, learn how to live a proper, healthy lifestyle and put it into practise. Support and encourage the person who is suffering to receive a diagnosis and access appropriate mental health services based on their indications and symptoms.
