World Mental Health Day is a campaign made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide support and resources to those who may be suffering. This year, in particular, the event is designed to acknowledge the effects of the pandemic and amplify the voices of professionals who are working to fight stigma around the world. Though their efforts exist on a very large scale, WHO also aims to remind the public that open conversations about mental health can change the way we relate to and support one another.
Mental Health Day 2022
The theme of this year’s campaign on October 10th is to “make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.” As the World Health Organization acknowledges on their website, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge disruption in many people’s lives and access to health resources, as people struggling across the globe have been both physically and emotionally isolated. They estimate that both anxiety and depressive disorders have risen more than 25% since the beginning of the pandemic.
If you lost your job or a loved one due to COVID, you have no doubt suffered emotionally. Even though we have somewhat returned to a sense of “normalcy”, you may not have had the time or opportunity to process and recover. This is one of the main themes of this year’s World Mental Health Day: nobody should be expected to feel okay in the wake of a multi-year global tragedy. Even if you were not affected physically or financially by the pandemic, you may have suffered from depression or anxiety due to the fear of infection, lack of physical connection, and the onslaught of horrible headlines. It is important to respect the way you are feeling, despite the fact that others may seem to be “okay”.
Stigma
There are many examples of the stigma and misinformation surrounding mental health issues. For instance, many people believe that discussing suicide is taboo, or that simply talking about it can give people the idea to take their own life. When families and peers do not acknowledge mental health issues or intentionally avoid conversations on the topic, it can make people feel even more isolated. By acknowledging and speaking openly about the truths of the matter, those who are suffering can begin to share their stories and rid themselves of the shame that they may associate with their mental health issues.
How to Get Involved
The World Health Organization states that their main mission for this year’s World Mental Health Day is universal equality in access to mental health resources and an end to the stigma surrounding it:
“We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need.”
On this year’s World Mental Health Day, and every day, use your voice to start a dialogue with your friends, family, and social media followers about how to look out for each other. If you are struggling, take the time to look into the many resources available to you and remember that you are never alone. At Shannon Psychiatry I provide flexible telehealth appointments so you can keep up with your busy schedule and still prioritize your mental health. If you are interested in virtual mental health services, contact me today to get started.