How Does World Mental Health Day Bring Awareness To Mental Health?

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is recognized on October 10th of each year. It provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and providers to raise awareness of mental health and offer support to global communities. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has observed World Mental Health Day since 2013. It has been especially important since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a global crisis in mental health. If you want to partake in WMHD, this article is for you.

What is World Mental Health Day? 

World Mental Health Day is a globally recognized day with the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues worldwide and mobilizing efforts to support mental well-being for all. The United Nations helps the WHO organize events each year to further the cause of WMHD and expand the reach of awareness tactics in various communities.

The importance of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day can give individuals the opportunity to learn more about mental well-being. Awareness of mental health can have many positive impacts not only on an individual level but on a societal level. WMHD allows experts, providers, doctors, and other stakeholders to come together to bring awareness to several areas of mental well-being and make it a global priority. World Mental Health Day can teach us a lot about mental health, including the following:

1. Mental health is varied

One in eight individuals worldwide lives with a mental health condition, impacting nearly 970 million people as of 2019. World Mental Health Day recognizes all individuals impacted by mental health conditions and concerns, which is a significant part of the world population. 

WMHD focuses on more than one mental health condition, symptom, and experience, recognizing that everyone’s mental health journey is unique. There are 298 mental health diagnoses listed in the DSM-5, a diagnostic book providers use when offering mental health care and treatment. Because there are so many different mental health conditions, efforts to increase understanding of mental health can have a broad reach. 

With millions of people living with various mental health conditions, having a variety of treatments available for individuals from different cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and minds can be valuable. 

2. Destigmatizing mental health conditions can be vital

While a lot of progress has been made, certain stigmas surrounding mental health exist to this day, creating barriers to getting support and treatment. Actively fighting against these stigmas can be crucial. In fact, one 2016 study found that reducing the stigma of mental health conditions would be necessary for supporting those diagnosed in future years. 

With many myths and misguided ideas on mental health, World Mental Health Day can bring awareness to the most up-to-date statistics and resources on mental health so that all people partaking can receive the most accurate information. 

A few common myths about mental health include the following: 

• “Mental health conditions are only experienced by women.” (False) 

• “Addiction is always a choice.” (False) 

• “Depression is just a lack of self-care.” (False) 

• “Relationships can’t be fixed in couples therapy.” (False) 

You don’t have to be experiencing a mental health condition to ask for support or receive treatment. No problem is too small, and in many cases, it can help to seek support sooner rather than later to prevent your mental health from worsening. Reaching out for help can be a brave step, particularly if you feel embarrassed or ashamed of the concerns you’re facing. However, by prioritizing your well-being and choosing to care for yourself, you can help break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to do the same.

3. Suicide prevention is important

Research shows that 94% of the population in the US believes that suicide can be prevented and want to help. However, many people may be at a loss for how they can be most useful. Studies show that individuals who receive a crisis plan after a suicide attempt are less likely to have future attempts and more likely to follow up for support. In part, putting suicide prevention efforts in place can help ensure that more people remain out of harm’s way. Being aware of the warning signs of poor mental health and suicide can be just one way to prevent future loss of life.

4. Mental health includes physical health 

Mental and physical health are intricately connected, with significant evidence of the existence of a mind-body connection. Certain mental health conditions and even stress can negatively impact one’s overall well-being. For example, chronic stress and a prolonged fight-or-flight response have been linked to several illnesses and ailments, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiologic issues. 

World Mental Health Day can bring awareness to mental health, allowing individuals to be treated sooner and potentially reducing the risk of physical consequences of treatment delays. 

5. Adult resources can be as important as youth resources

In some cases, adult resources may be limited for certain mental health conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other types of developmental disabilities, which tend to be more common among younger populations. Awareness of adult mental health can increase the resources available to those who lack a support system or want to partake in self-advocacy. 

World Mental Health Day recognizes that mental health conditions impact people of all ages and that adequate resources should be available to everyone regardless of the concerns they’re facing.

6. Certain communities may require extra support 

World Mental Health Day focuses on unique communities around the world instead of just one location. Studies indicate that certain communities are at a higher risk for mental health challenges. Thus, understanding the cultural implications of mental health needs worldwide can be significant. 

For example, tribal communities, Black and Indigenous people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, and those impacted by poverty may be more at risk for certain mental health concerns, such as depression. World Mental Health Day seeks to bring awareness to disadvantaged communities and provide them with the resources and support they need.

How to recognize World Mental Health Day

There are many ways to celebrate World Mental Health Day, whether you choose to do so alone or within your community. You can experiment and find what feels most comfortable for you, and you may consider starting with some of the following: 

1. Get a screening

Mental health screenings can offer an available, quick, and free way to assess your risk of developing a particular mental health issue, such as depression. You can find a variety of free online screenings through websites like Mental Health America. However, note that an online screening does not replace the advice and treatment of a qualified professional, such as a doctor. Additionally, it can be important to avoid self-diagnosis, as this may delay the treatment process.

Your primary care physician might also perform screening tests when you attend your annual checkup. After receiving your results, you or your doctor may want to discuss certain areas in more detail or even come up with a treatment plan should your results indicate the presence of a mental health disorder. 

Even if you don’t think you have a mental health condition, screening tests can be valuable in case you’re unsure of your symptoms or want to safeguard your mental and physical health during a yearly checkup. 

2. Check-in with those you love

Checking in with those you love about mental health and wellness can be advantageous in making mental health less stigmatized. Even those you’re closest to may not always talk about their symptoms due to the stigma surrounding mental health. Your loved ones may feel ashamed or embarrassed, believing they should be able to help themselves and “snap out of it”. On the contrary, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, bravery, and vulnerability, and many people find healing only once they’ve sought support. 

Checking in with your loved ones can give you an indication of their well-being and allow you to assess whether they might be experiencing the symptoms of a mental health condition. Common warning signs of a mental health condition can include: 

• Decreased pleasure in previously enjoyed activities

• Nervousness or frequent worrying 

• Isolation or withdrawal from social systems 

• Talking about suicide, self-harm, or further isolation 

• Hateful or unkind comments about their body or appearance

• Frequent crying or irritability 

These symptoms can vary depending on the person and what they’re going through. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s well-being, let them know you’re there and offer to help them find professional support.  

3. Take a break for self-care

Self-care can be beneficial regardless of your mental health status. For example, meditation practices can increase self-compassion and improve physical health. You can also take part in self-care through the following methods: 

• Spending time in nature

• Singing or playing an instrument

• Partaking in your hobbies

• Exercising

• Mindfulness practices

• Yoga

• Spending time with your family, partner, friends, or pets

• Journaling or reading

4. Create an at-home mental health care plan

Although you may create a crisis or treatment plan alongside a mental health professional, you can also create an at-home plan on your own, whether you attend therapy or not. While making your plan, consider adding the following: 

• The names, phone numbers, and emails of three support people in your life

• Three to five coping skills you can use when you are distressed or struggling with your mental health 

• A list of crisis numbers or hotlines 

• A list of crisis resources in your area 

• A list of five things you are grateful for in your life 

• Tools you can use to feel better at home, such as a weighted blanket or an adult coloring book 

Refer to your plan when you find yourself stressed, experiencing distressing symptoms, or struggling. Consider reaching out to a counselor if you want professional support in building your plan. 

Getting mental health support with online therapy

One way to recognize World Mental Health Day is by reaching out for support for any mental health concerns you might be facing. Asking for help can feel challenging, but it can also be a brave step toward self-care and healing. You can use online therapy whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition or not. Therapy is commonly employed for issues like stress, life changes, and relationship challenges.  

For those facing barriers to treatment or struggling with the cost of counseling, online therapy might be a preferable alternative option. With an online therapy platform such as BetterHelp, you can choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions with a licensed therapist through an internet-based modality. Sessions are held according to your schedule, and you can choose to meet with your therapist from anywhere that you have a stable internet connection. 

The efficacy of online therapy for managing mental health concerns

There is an increasing amount of research pointing to online therapy as an effective method of treatment for individuals experiencing a range of psychological issues. According to one comprehensive report, online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is at least as effective as face-to-face therapy when treating an array of mental health concerns. In the report, published by the World Psychiatric Association, researchers offer several benefits of web-based interventions, noting that online CBT can be personalized to the needs of individuals while also eliminating geographical limitations. CBT is a form of therapy that helps people identify their unhelpful, intrusive thoughts that may be leading to negative emotions or behaviors.