World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day will be celebrated around the world on 10 October.  The day was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise public awareness of mental health issues.

It’s thought that around 154 million people around the world suffer from depression, so it’s likely that you or someone you know will be affected by mental illness during your lifetime.

World Mental Health Day aims to get us all talking openly about mental illnesses and the treatment and preventions that are available to us all.

The day will be organised with the help of the World Federation for Mental Health, which was founded in 1948 to prevent emotional and mental health disorders and help those who do suffer from them.

This year the theme is “Young people and mental health in a changing world”.  The World Health Organisation say that half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14 but most cases go undetected or diagnosed.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds.  It’s so important to raise awareness among young people of the ways they can look after their mental health and parents and teachers need the correct tools and resources to support our young people.

What can you do to raise awareness on World Mental Health Day?

Well you can raise awareness and spread the word on social media by using the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay.

You can sign the Time to Change pledge wall and commit to being proactive in promoting mental health and wellbeing in your community to end the stigma of mental health.

You can also show your support by making a donation at the World Federation for Mental Health website, or by joining in with one of the events that have been organised for the day.  Events include community workshops with talks from professionals to give you any advice you might need.

Visit the World Mental Health Day website for more details and don’t be afraid to talk about your problems this World Mental Health Day.