World Mental Health Day 2023
On World Mental Health Day in 2023, which will be celebrated on 10 October 2023, communities and individuals can come together in support of the topic
"Mental health is a universal human right" to share knowledge, create awareness, and inspire activities that promote and preserve everyone's mental health as a universal human right. The theme for World Mental Health Day in 2023 focuses on the importance of mental health and concrete actions that people and communities must take to foster resilience and mental well-being.
World Mental Health Day 2023 Theme
Our physical and mental well-being are connected. As per the studies made by WHO, one in eight people worldwide suffers from mental health disorders, which can hurt their physical health, general well-being, interpersonal relationships, and ability to maintain a standard lifestyle. Teenagers and young adults are becoming more susceptible to mental health issues.
The theme of the World Mental Health Day 2023 emphasizes that all persons have a fundamental right to maintain the best possible level of mental health. This encompasses the right to be protected against any risk to one's mental health, the right to the availability of high-quality care as needed, and the right to engage and socialize with independence and acceptability.
The Importance of World Mental Health Day
The Crisis in Global Mental Health
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp shoot in a mental health crisis. People's mental health has suffered due to the pandemic's worry, uncertainty, and isolation. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that depression and anxiety disorders are the main global contributors to mental health issues. It is high time to identify and manage mental health issues to stop a crisis from worsening.
The Effects on Individual
Individuals' emotional, psychological, and social well-being have a deep impact on mental health. People with stable mental health can better manage stress, keep positive relationships, be productive at work, and make wise judgments. On the other hand, a variety of major problems, such as a worse quality of life, drug addiction, and even physical disabilities, can result from poor mental health. So urgent action is required to ensure everyone can exercise their human rights and get the high-quality mental health support they require.
The Economic and Social Impact
Beyond the individual level, mental health can significantly impact society and the economy. Unresolved and prolonged mental health issues can increase healthcare expenses, leading to financial strain. It will also reduce overall productivity and efficiency, creating pressure on organizational systems. Therefore, promoting and ensuring people's mental well-being is not only advantageous but also becoming essential for the benefit of both individuals and societies.
History of World Mental Health Day
The concept of dedicating a day to raising mental health awareness was initially put forth in 1992 in Cape Town, South Africa, at the World Federation for Mental Health Congress. After that, On October 10, 1992, the first Mental Health Day was formally observed.
The World Federation for Mental Health started its journey in 1948, coinciding with the celebration of World Mental Health Day. This organization has taken crucial steps in advancing mental health globally and fighting for the rights of people experiencing mental health issues.
Objectives of World Mental Health Day
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Making more and more people aware of various kinds of mental health issues and how to deal with them
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Removing the stigma, false beliefs, and misunderstandings surrounding mental health issues individuals face.
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To motivate people facing mental health issues to seek treatment and care rather than keep it secret out of fear and anxiety.
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Share the information on the various measures available for handling mental health issues, which are just as crucial as physical well-being.
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Inspiring and supporting those struggling with mental health issues to openly and fearlessly ask their loved ones, friends, family, or anybody else for assistance.
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Involve and persuade stakeholders, policymakers, and authorities to allocate funds for ensuring better mental health services and support systems.
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Arrange collaborations internationally to solve mental health concerns on a global scale.
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Encourage the acceptance of mental illness as a severe disorder and deal with the same importance as physical illness.
Key Messages For World Health Day
Overall health and well-being depend on having good mental health
Good mental health supports us to overcome obstacles, interact with people, and live meaningful lives with dignity and respect.
Access to high-quality mental health care is a right for everyone
All have the right to access high-quality care and treatment to deal with mental health needs and uphold their rights throughout their lifetimes.·
Combat the discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness
In every social, educational, and organizational setting, people with mental health issues can freely participate without the fear of stigma and discrimination.
Wrap Up!
World Mental Health Day 2023 reminds us of the value of protecting our mental health and developing abilities to face challenges. At the individual, societal, and economic levels, mental health is important, and supporting mental health is crucial.
We can significantly impact mental health awareness and support by prioritizing self-care, looking for support and connections, decreasing stigma, creating favourable work environments, and educating ourselves and others. World Mental Health Day aims to transform the outlook and perception of society towards mental health and build resiliency for a healthier future.
World Mental Health Day 2023 FAQs
Q1. On which day the World Mental Health Day 2023 will be celebrated?
Ans. The World Mental Health day 2023 will be celebrated on 10th October, 2023.
Q2. How do people with mental health issues are deprived of their rights?
Ans. Different forms of human rights violations are being observed against people who have mental health issues. Many people experience discrimination and exclusion from community life, while many more are unable to get access to the necessary mental health care as needed.
Q3. When was the World Federation for Mental Health founded?
Ans. The World Federation of Mental Health was founded in 1948.
Q4. What is the theme of the World Mental Health Day 2023?
Ans. The theme of World Mental Health Day 2023 is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.
Q5. What types of mental health issues are predominant in the adolescent group of population?
Ans. The problem of depression is found as the major mental health issues among adolescents
