Importance of World Mental Health Day

OPINION | MENTAL HEALTH

By Davis Akampurira

Mental illness is usually caused by a combination of pressures at work and at home. Increasing worries about debt, rising bills and job insecurity, as the economy continues to remain depressed; many therefore lead to a further surge in mental ill health.

Every October 10, the global community recognises World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to highlight international outreach, education, and advocacy efforts spent to reduce mental health stigma. The overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day also 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.

World Mental Health Day is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This day, each October, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples' life worldwide.

We believe that the day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about what needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. We also argue people, especially young people to show their support on this day through raising awareness on social media. Our hope is that people affected by stress, depression and mood disorders are understood, supported, free from stigma, and are encouraged to access appropriate therapies.

On this day, let us gather to create more awareness and attention towards mental health, mental illness and mental wellness.

The writer is Team Leader Africa Leadership Awards/Youth Activist