World Mental Health Day

October 8, 2021 Ashley Kelly

We all have mental health. It transcends factors such as age, religion, ethnicity, language, gender, sexual orientation, education and geographic location. Our mental health is a combination of our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Mental health impacts our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The term mental health is not to be confused with the terms poor mental health and mental illness. An individual with poor mental health may not have a diagnosed mental illness. And individuals with mental illness may experience emotional, psychological and social well-being.

Changes in mental health can occur at any age for a wide variety of reasons. For example, caring for an older and/or disabled relative is a common catalyst. Changes may occur gradually or suddenly. Regardless, it is important for all individuals to have access to mental health services in order to address these changes. Thankfully, each year our world bands together to advocate for mental health education and support.

What Is World Mental Health Day?

On October 10, 1992 World Mental Health Day was first observed. It was established by Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter of the World Federation for Mental Health. With no specific theme, the general purpose was to advocate for mental health awareness. Two years later, Secretary General Eugene Brody introduced World Mental Health Day’s first theme: “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.

This year’s theme, “Mental Health in an Unequal World”, was chosen due to the glaring and ever-increasing gap between the “haves” and the “have nots”. While the rich become richer, the poor become poorer. The previous year brought to light the inequalities and inequities that marginalized communities face every single day. A blatant disregard for human rights in combination with COVID-19 revealed the true state of our world’s mental health.

Unfortunately, the majority of individuals do not have access to mental health services. In fact, 75% to 95% of individuals with mental health conditions in underdeveloped and developing countries cannot access mental health services. When individuals with mental health conditions do not receive mental health services, inexperienced friends and family members are expected to care for them. In turn, this may affect the mental health of these unqualified caretakers. Without good mental health, we cannot take care of ourselves and those that depend on us. World Mental Health Day highlights the impact of mental health on individuals and communities, unequal and inequitable access to mental health services around the world and the overall significance of mental health in our daily lives.

Mental Health: 5 Facts and Statistics

Approximately 20% of children and adolescents around the world have a mental health disorder (World Health Organization)
Social, psychological, biological, economic and environmental factors impact mental health (World Health Organization)
Individuals with severe mental health disorders die prematurely (up to two decades) as a result of preventable physical conditions (World Health Organization)
Mental health disorders are more commonly diagnosed in women (Our World in Data)
Mental health is strongly associated with education and employment (Our World in Data)

How To Celebrate World Mental Health Day in the Workplace

Meetings With Employees

Meeting with employees on a regular basis is invaluable. Take the time to learn about the various aspects of their lives that impact their mental health. Work with them to build a strong foundation for their mental health and provide them with the resources they need to thrive.

Mental Health Workshops

Enlist a mental health professional to conduct a workshop. Employees will have the opportunity to express their concerns and receive feedback from an expert. They will have the chance to ask questions and learn about healthy boundaries and outlets that will protect their mental health. Overall, employees should feel a sense of relief and confidence in their ability to understand and maintain their mental health.

Donate to Mental Health Organizations

There are numerous organizations that advocate for mental health in a variety of ways. Find an organization that is compatible with your company’s values and partner with them to support the communities they serve. Some organizations may prefer monetary donations and others may prefer that you donate your time.

Check-In With Yourself

As a leader, it’s important that you take the time to check-in with yourself. Ask yourself how you’re feeling, what stressors are present in your life and what steps you’re taking to protect your mental health. Managing other individuals, overseeing major plans and organizing high-stakes meetings can take a toll on your mental health. Particularly when you do not allow yourself time to recover.

Mental Health Days

Allow employees to take paid time off for their mental health when they are feeling upset or overwhelmed. Employees that are struggling with their mental health are less likely to complete tasks and projects, communicate effectively and efficiently, collaborate with peers and bring their best selves to work. Forcing employees to come to work when they are unprepared is beneficial to no one.

Relaxing Indoor/Outdoor Activities

Allot a certain amount of time each day or week to relaxing activities that can be performed individually or in a group. Participation should be optional. Ideas for indoor and outdoor activities include meditation, yoga, origami, jigsaw puzzles, coloring, Sudoku, Frisbee, walking and reading. Activities performed as a group provide an opportunity for employees to strengthen their relationships with one another.

Mental Health Benefits

Employees should be aware of any and all mental health benefits. Remind them of their options for health insurance, life insurance, paid time off and any other benefits that will strengthen their mental health.

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