Today is World Mental Health Day. Here is what you need to know

World Health Day happens every 10 October and aims to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues.

It was set by World Federation for Mental Health and has been celebrated since 1992.

Each year has a theme and this year’s one is Psychological First Aid. Says the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Efforts in support of the day will focus on basic pragmatic psychological support by people who find themselves in a helping role whether they be health staff, teachers, firemen, community workers, or police officers.
Despite its name, psychological first aid covers both psychological and social support.

Why is it important to have this day? Well, according to the WHO, “If we don’t act urgently, by 2030 depression will be the leading illness globally.”

Add to that, 1 in 6 adults globally had a common mental health problem in the last week. While suicide is not always linked to mental health issues there are links. Also it is also important to make it clear that mental health and violence are not synonymous.

There are organisations where one can get assistance on mental health issues such as St Giles Medical Rehabilitation Centre and Island Hospice.

But there are ways to deal with mental health issues. UK’s Mental Health Foundation lists these:

1. Talk about your feelings

2. Exercise