World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year. The day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
This year the mental health is the most-discussed topic across the globe due to the widespread of the deadly coronavirus which has affected the lives of people both physically and mentally. Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide.
World Mental Health 2020 Theme:
The theme for World Mental Health 2020 is Kindness in the view of the coronavirus pandemic. Kindness can strengthen human relationships, be compassionate, and develop a sense of belonging and prevent the feeling of loneliness. Kindness among each other will deepen solidarity and develop healthy societies.
History of World Mental Health Day:
World Federation for Mental Health announced October 10 as World Mental Health Day in 1992 and celebrates it with a new theme every year. This year, the initiative is being supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and United for Global Mental Health.
Facts about Mental Health:
- Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns.
- People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees.
- Around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder.
- 1/2 of all mental illnesses show early signs before a person turns 14 years old, and 3/4 of mental illnesses begin before age 24.
- People with a mental health issue are generally nonviolent. Only 3-5% of violent acts can be attributed to people with a serious mental illness.
- Many people do not seek treatment for mental illness due to the associated stigma. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental illnesses receive treatment.
- Therapy, yoga, meditation, and holistic treatments can all help to assuage symptoms.
- People with severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.
- The global economy loses about US$ 1 trillion per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.
