World Mental Health Day 2024
World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritizing Well-Being in Every Aspect of Life
11.10.24 – Teya Pichsinee, Maria Plexida
World Mental Health Day is an international day dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating against the stigma surrounding mental health. It is observed every year on October 10th. Each year, the day carries a different theme, focusing on various aspects of mental health.
World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization. Today, it is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which plays a key role in raising awareness on mental health issues through its collaboration with Ministries of Health and civil society organizations worldwide. WHO also contributes by developing technical and communication materials to enhance global mental health education.
The Global Mental Health Crisis
Mental health conditions are widespread, affecting people from all walks of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people globally suffers from a mental disorder, ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe conditions like schizophrenia. Despite the prevalence of mental illness, many people still face significant barriers to accessing care, including stigma, lack of resources, and insufficient funding for mental health services.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall health, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatized. Mental Health Day aims to:
- Promote Awareness: By educating people about mental health conditions, we can foster a better understanding of mental illnesses, reduce misconceptions, and encourage more people to seek help when needed.
- Encourage Advocacy: This day calls on governments, healthcare providers, and communities to prioritize mental health. It emphasizes the need for accessible, quality mental health services for all.
- Foster Support: Mental Health Day offers an opportunity for individuals to openly discuss their mental health challenges, break the silence around mental illness, and support those in need.
Themes of World Mental Health Day
Each year, World Mental Health Day features a different theme to highlight key mental health issues. Here are a few examples from past years:
- 1994: Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World
- 1998: Mental Health and Human Rights
- 2007: Mental Health in A Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity
- 2012: Depression: A Global Crisis
- 2022: Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority
This year, in 2024, the theme is: “It is time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
Mental Health at Work
With approximately 60% of the global population engaged in work, it is crucial to address mental health in the workplace. Urgent action is needed to prevent work-related mental health risks and to ensure workplaces protect and support the mental well-being of employees.
Risks to Mental Health in the Workplace
Workers may encounter various challenges to their mental health, such as discrimination, poor work environments, or limited autonomy. Low-paid or insecure jobs are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack adequate protections, leaving employees more exposed to psychosocial risks.
Effects on Individuals
A lack of proper support for individuals with mental health conditions can diminish their self-confidence, enjoyment of work, and capacity to perform their tasks. It can also lead to frequent absences or difficulty in maintaining employment. The effects extend to caregivers and family members, who also feel the strain.
Broader Impact on Work and Society
Poor mental health in the workplace leads to reduced performance, increased absenteeism, and higher staff turnover. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety account for the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays globally each year.
Supporting Workers to Thrive in the Workplace
Employers should implement reasonable accommodations to assist employees with mental health conditions. This could include scheduling regular check-ins, allowing for frequent breaks, gradually reintroducing tasks, and providing facilities for medication storage.
Training Managers to Address Mental Health
Training managers to recognize and address workplace stress is crucial. With proper training, managers can better support their teams and contribute to a healthier, more positive work environment.
Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health
While governments and employers have a key responsibility in protecting mental health at work, individuals can take steps to manage their own well-being. Learning stress-management techniques and being mindful of changes in mental health are important. If necessary, reach out to a trusted friend, colleague, supervisor, or healthcare professional for support.
Do you have any experiences or challenges related to mental health in your workplace?
We encourage you to share your thoughts and join the conversation on how we can all work together to prioritize mental health at work.
World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is essential and should not be neglected. By raising awareness, advocating for accessible care, and breaking down stigma, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized as a universal human right.
That’s why, we as Wellbeing for Everyone also provide educational mental health workshops for companies to improve the well-being of employees at their workspaces.
Interested in learning more? Send us a message at info@wellbeing4everyone.com
