World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day History

World Mental Health Day is aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, promoting the mental well-being of society, and advocating for improved access to mental health care. It is an opportunity for mental health professionals, advocates, and people living with mental health conditions to collaborate and share knowledge, tools, and resources to improve mental health care. World Mental Health Day also focuses on destigmatizing mental health issues by educating the public and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

World Mental Health Day was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). In America, mental health issues are prevalent, with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimating that one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness in a given year. Recognizing the unique mental health challenges faced by Americans, World Mental Health Day encourages dialogue surrounding the topic and highlights the importance of mental health care accessibility and quality for all.

In observance of World Mental Health Day, numerous events and campaigns take place across the United States. Mental health organizations, schools, and community groups organize conferences, workshops, and seminars on relevant topics. Online platforms also provide platforms for sharing mental health stories and resources, with social media campaigns using targeted hashtags to create awareness and promote discussion. World Mental Health Day takes place annually on October 10th.

World Mental Health Day facts

• The theme for World Mental Health Day in 2023 was Mental health is a universal human right.
• Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental health condition, with suicide the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
• People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely – as much as two decades early – due to preventable physical conditions.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the world for individuals 15 to 44. Suicide rates have increased by 60% over the past 45 years.
• 10-20% of children in the world experience a mental disorder. It is the leading cause of disability in youth.
• I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone. - Robin Williams.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Mental Health Day

Top things to do in the US for World Mental Health Day

• Evaluate your own mental well-being or that of someone you are close to.
  - Are you always sad?
  - Do you have suicidal thoughts?
  - Do you feel that you have no reason to live?
• Visit a psychologist to discuss any problems that have overwhelmed you lately.
• Volunteer your time at an organization that works with child mental health. Depression is a growing concern among children and organizations such as Big Brothers and Sisters of America, Teen Mental Health, NAMI and Children's Mental Health can help you find a local area to help your youth.
• Watch a movie that touches on mental health issues or particular disorders. Some of our favorites are
  1) Bipolar: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
  2) Schizophrenia: A Beautiful Mind (2001)
  3) OCD: As Good As It Gets (1997)
  4) Suicide: The Virgin Suicides (1999)
  5) Alzheimer's: Still Alice (2014)
  6) Borderline Personality: Girl, Interrupted (1999)
  7) Depression: Inside Out (2015)
  8) Post Traumatic Stress: Jacob's Ladder (1990)
• Read a book about mental disorders. Some of our picks: The Bell Jar, Thirteen Reasons Why and All the Bright Places