Mind Over Stigma: Why World Mental Health Day Matters
Observed in October, World Mental Health Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness around mental health, and encouraging efforts to support mental wellbeing, a significant component of our overall wellbeing and quality of life.
With nearly one in three South African adults living with impaired mental health, this campaign highlights the importance of treating mental health and wellness as a universal human right.
World Mental Health Day aims to improve global wellness by:
1. Raising awareness
With one in five South Africans expected to experience poor mental health at some point in their life, education around conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorders is key. It’s also crucial to highlight the importance of early intervention, self-care therapies, and seeking help.
2. Reducing stigma
Despite growing conversations around mental health, stigma still prevents many individuals from speaking up or seeking treatment. Research suggests that, while 70% of women and 65% of men report a need for mental health support, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
3. Promoting action
While mental health conditions affect a quarter of the population, only 5% of the South African national healthcare budget is dedicated to mental health. Citizens can encourage governments to prioritise mental health in public policy and funding, and to create supportive and inclusive spaces in both the workplace and schools.
4. Supporting global unity
Poor mental health can affect anyone, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. With so many countries participating in World Mental Health Day, a shared commitment to improving mental wellbeing reinforces international solidarity and reminds us that we’re not alone.
But World Mental Health Day is more than just one day. It’s a global commitment to ensuring that mental health is recognised, respected and supported throughout the year.
References
With nearly one in three South African adults living with impaired mental health, this campaign highlights the importance of treating mental health and wellness as a universal human right.
World Mental Health Day aims to improve global wellness by:
1. Raising awareness
With one in five South Africans expected to experience poor mental health at some point in their life, education around conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorders is key. It’s also crucial to highlight the importance of early intervention, self-care therapies, and seeking help.
2. Reducing stigma
Despite growing conversations around mental health, stigma still prevents many individuals from speaking up or seeking treatment. Research suggests that, while 70% of women and 65% of men report a need for mental health support, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
3. Promoting action
While mental health conditions affect a quarter of the population, only 5% of the South African national healthcare budget is dedicated to mental health. Citizens can encourage governments to prioritise mental health in public policy and funding, and to create supportive and inclusive spaces in both the workplace and schools.
4. Supporting global unity
Poor mental health can affect anyone, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. With so many countries participating in World Mental Health Day, a shared commitment to improving mental wellbeing reinforces international solidarity and reminds us that we’re not alone.
But World Mental Health Day is more than just one day. It’s a global commitment to ensuring that mental health is recognised, respected and supported throughout the year.
References