World Mental Health Day

INTRODUCTION :

World Mental Health Day is celebrated across the globe on October 10. It is aimed at educating people and spreading awareness about the importance of mental health and how one should never neglect their mental health issues. World Health Organization said,” In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgement of the important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals.”

World Mental Health Day 2021: Theme

The world mental health theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World. It focuses on access to mental health services which has remained unequal.

World Mental Health Day 2021: History and Significance

The World Federation for Mental Health organized an annual activity which was first observed on October 10, 1992. That year, there was no specific theme and their main motive was to spread awareness about the issue and educate the people on the relevant issues. In 1994, for the first time, a theme was set. The theme was improving the quality of mental health services throughout the world.

Every year, the day’s importance grew. Different years had different themes based on their relevance and importance. Themes like Women and Mental Health (1996), Children and Mental Health (1997), Mental Health and Human Rights (1998) and Mental Health and Ageing (1999).

World Mental Health Day timeline

1992

World Mental health Day is observed for the first time on October 10, 1992.

1994

The first theme is created — 'Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.'

1995

An increase in international events take place that give rise to more conferences about the subject and community celebrations.

1996 – Present

As more themes are added, increased awareness of multiple aspects of mental health becomes more common on a global level.

World Mental Health Day quotes

"I understand your pain. Trust me, I do. I’ve seen people go from the darkest moments in their lives to living a happy, fulfilling life. You can do it too. I believe in you. You are not a burden. You will NEVER BE a burden." — Sophie Turner

"The experience I have had is that once you start talking about [experiencing a mental health struggle], you realize that actually you’re part of quite a big club." — Prince Harry

"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t." ― John Green

"You are the one thing in this world, above all other things, that you must never give up on. When I was in middle school, I was struggling with severe anxiety and depression and the help and support I received from my family and a therapist saved my life. Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you’ll ever know." — Lili Reinhart

"My dark days made me stronger. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it." — Emery Lord

CONCLUSION :

World Mental Health Day 2021 will give voice to diverse perspectives on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of calling attention to inequities in mental health in the Americas and joining together to eliminate them.