On the 10th of October every year, World Mental Health Day is celebrated. World Mental Health Day is an international 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 – and is now a universal occasion to do the same.
The Importance of World Mental Health Day
According to WHO, more than 450 million individuals globally have experienced some form of a mental health disorder, and one in four individuals will develop a mental or behavioral disorder during their lifetime. Each year, the focus of World Mental Health Day is on one aspect of mental health. The focus of this year is, understandably, around the effects of COVID-19.
It is important to keep in mind that many people often go undiagnosed due to lack of understanding of mental health in a general sense, as well as the lack of education towards mental health in educational institutions, homes, and society as a whole. Others may be afraid to speak up in fear of being judged due to the stigma surrounding mental health in many cultures and may not be able to receive the help or treatment that they need. World Mental Health Day is celebrated to bring these instances to light and to advocate for a better future for both the education of mental health as well as for those suffering with mental illnesses.
Our Pledge
We, at Aware, are happy and proud to be part of an initiative that educates, raises awareness, and advocates against social stigma on a daily basis. We solemnly pledge to continue to raise awareness and work towards reducing the stigma in a region in which progression is apparent, yet there is a lack of education surrounding the subject of mental health, as well as prevalent judgment and criticism towards those who may be suffering.