World Mental Health Day
Introduction:
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
Facts:
- Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have mental disorders or problems.
- Mental disorders are one of the most important risk factors for other diseases such as irritable bowel and heart diseases.
- Poor mental health is associated with rapid social change, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, violence and rights violations.
- Reluctance to seek health care or treatment by mental health patients is attributed to social stigma attached to mental ill health.
- A negative working environment may lead to physical and mental health problems.
Objectives:
- Promote awareness on mental health problems around the world.
- Protect mental health by reducing work-related risk factors.
- Focus on depression at workplace and its impact on productivity.
- Early detection of depression symptoms at workplace.
- Provide mental health services, as well as comprehensive and integrated social care in different community environments.
- Implement preventive health promotion strategies.
- Boost mental health information, evidence and research systems.
- Activate and mobilize efforts in support of better mental health.
Official Date:
- Globally: October 10th,
Young people and mental health in a changing world
Overview:
Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.
Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14:
Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. In terms of the burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents is a major issue in many countries. Eating disorders are also of concern.
Growing recognition of the importance of building mental resilience:
Fortunately, there is a growing recognition of the importance of helping young people build mental resilience, from the earliest ages, in order to cope with the challenges of today’s world. Evidence is growing that promoting and protecting adolescent health brings benefits not just to adolescents’ health, both in the short- and the long-term, but also to economies and society.
Prevention begins with better understanding:
Much can be done to help build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults, and to manage and recover from mental illness. Prevention begins with being aware of and understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of mental illness. Parents and teachers can help build life skills of children and adolescents to help them cope with everyday challenges at home and at school. Psychosocial support can be provided in schools and other community settings and of course training for health workers to enable them to detect and manage mental health disorders can be put in place, improved or expanded.
Investment by governments and the involvement of the social, health and education sectors in comprehensive, integrated, evidence-based programs for the mental health of young people is essential. This investment should be linked to programs to raise awareness among adolescents and young adults of ways to look after their mental health and to help peers, parents and teachers know how to support their friends, children and students. This is the focus for this year’s World Mental Health Day.
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