World Mental Health Day

Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), World mental health day is on October 10, 2021. The goal is to help raise awareness so that each of us can make a contribution. Stigma, discrimination, and lack of support are just some examples of the challenges surrounding mental health issues.

World Mental Health Day history

The World Federation of Mental Health led by Richard Hunter created World Mental Health Day. The first World Mental Health Day was observed on October 10, 1992. This day encourages people to break the silence about mental health and remove the stigma that surrounds it. On this day each year, people are encouraged to talk about mental health, look after their own well-being, look out for others and join the movement towards equality. The mental health of whole societies has been affected by the COVIDS-19 global pandemic starting in 2020.

The World Mental Health Day 2021 theme is: Mental Health in an Unequal World.

With depression advancing in society, depression self-care is vitally important worldwide. Finding World Mental Health Day 2021 resources and spreading awareness are now more important than ever.

Causes of mental health issues

Many causes of mental health issues are not yet known, but there are many different factors that can cause mental health problems. Factors such as family history, age, and life experiences all have an impact on how someone may feel mentally. Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness, people who are mentally well also need to be supported. Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness and understanding about mental health problems.

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Some signs to look out for: Changes in sleep, appetite, and moods, rapid or dramatic mood changes and withdrawal, declines in functioning, and having problems thinking straight.

Did you know these surprising facts about mental health?

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about one in five, or approximately 20% of all adults experience some kind of mental illness.
• The most common mental health disorder is Anxiety Disorder.
• Depression is the second most common mental illness.
• BPD is unequivocally more common in women than men, nearly 75% of people diagnosed with BPD are women.
• One of the least common, affecting less than 1% of people, is Schizophrenia.

It’s important to consult a mental health professional if you have any serious concerns.

What can you do to help yourself?

Knowing what’s wrong and what to do about it is an important part of mental health and wellness.

Identify the problem

There are signs and symptoms that will indicate that you may have a problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some things you can watch for in yourself and your loved ones:

• Feeling sad or down.
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
• Withdrawal from friends and activities.
• Significant tiredness, low energy, or problems sleeping.

World Mental Health Day is an excellent opportunity that encourages us to think about our thoughts.

Self-care

If you don’t take care of yourself, how will you care for others? The definition of self-care is caring for yourself as you would for others. Many of us rely heavily upon medical professionals to manage our health when actually, it is our own responsibility to oversee the treatments and practices to keep ourselves well. Self-care for mental health is an important part of a healthy person’s daily wellness lifestyle. If you’re looking for self-care ideas, try starting with a self-care Sunday, self-care gifts or seek out self-care habits from others who have been successful in caring for themselves.

Here are some simple suggestions and self-care tips that you can implement for yourself right now.

• Mindfulness is a practice that can help reduce stress and anxiety. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, from formal sessions to a short check-in with yourself on the way to work or at the end of the day.
• Make sleep part of your self-care routine. Effective sleep is essential for mental function.
• Exercise daily, be as active as possible and keep moving. Intentional movement is great for the body and mind.
• A healthy diet is essential for mental health. Choose foods that energize and have the nutrients your body needs.
• Read a book on self-care or self-improvement.
• Align yourself with positive like-minded people focused on self-care, such as a membership or community with knowledgeable people.

So declare a self-care day for yourself as often as you need it. If you have any questions about self-care you can always reach out to us at Healthy Transformation Nation.