Did you know that one in seven 10- to 19-year-olds experience a mental disorder and half of all such disorders start by age 14 years, most of which are undetected and untreated (WHO)?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that close to one billion people have a mental disorder; depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide (5% of adults) and a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. The COVID-19 pandemic also has had a considerable impact on people’s mental health.
The goal of World Mental Health Day is to help raise mental health awareness. Each of us can help to ensure that people living with mental illness can live better lives with dignity (Rethink Mental Illness). This day came about as the result of a global advocacy and awareness program started in 1092 by the World Federation for Mental Health. (Mental Health in Family Medicine).
This year’s United Nation’s theme is “Mental Health in an Unequal World,” to raise awareness and launch a call for action to protect United Nations populations at risk of poor mental health, while the WHO campaign slogan is “Mental Health Care for All: Let’s Make it a Reality,” focused on providing an opportunity to empower people to look after their own mental health and provide support to others.
Helpful Links:
Rob at Home: World Mental Health Day. Season 10 Episode 8 (24m 36s; closed captioning). Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Rob and his guests discuss the mental health challenges affecting themselves, their families, and their communities. It’s an opportunity to check on your own mental health during this trying year and learn about helpful resources. https://www.pbs.org/video/world-mental-health-day-o1drak/
