How is your mental health? Until now, many people are afraid to speak up about their struggles concerning their mental health. The stigma and discrimination still hinder us from seeking professional help—why many suffer in silence.
According to World Health Organization, The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on our mental health and has created a global mental crisis. It’s about time we recognize the importance of our mental well-being without the fear of being judged.
What is World Mental Health Day
Since 1992, The World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization have been observing World Mental Health Day every 10th of October to spread awareness about our mental health and encourage people to support those experiencing mental health issues.
The 2022 World Mental Health Day theme is "Make mental health for all a global priority." The World Health Organization aims to launch this campaign for advocates, governments, employers, and other stakeholders to come together to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need while prioritizing their mental health.
How to Celebrate World Mental Health Day
1. Help spread awareness and fight the stigma by sharing your story
One of the ways to educate and encourage people to speak up is by sharing your own story. Walking them through your journey will give them a clearer picture of what’s happening in today’s reality. You can start sharing within your household, community, or social media pages. You can also attend in-person or online events with the help of organizations that support this cause like This Is My Brave.
2. Volunteer or Donate
Getting more involved in supporting causes will help widen your access to several organizations. One way is to volunteer or donate to nonprofit organizations like The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
3. Support and Follow Mental Health Advocates
The content we consume affects our mental health. Being selective of what we listen to or who we follow on social media can help us in many ways. Here are a few recommendations:
- Podcast: Depression Cure, CLEANING UP THE MENTAL MESS with Dr. Caroline Leaf, Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH)
- Tiktok: drjuliesmith, nadiaaddesi, amoderntherapist
4. Start prioritizing and taking care of yourself
With the “hustle culture” being a trend nowadays, we tend to forget to slow down and take care of ourselves, resulting in burnout and even anxiety for some. In between lunch or coffee breaks, you can listen to a 5-10 minute meditation through Headspace and Calm apps. You can also start with an at-home spa to help you relax. Reaching out to a therapist is also the best way to untangle or organize your thoughts.
5. Check on your friends and loved ones
A simple “how are you?” can make a huge difference. Let’s reconnect with our friends and loved ones to check up on how they are feeling to make them feel remembered and loved. It’s a free and healthy form of therapy we all need once in a while.
Some days are harder than others, but everyone has the power to overcome their challenges and experience positivity within themselves. Take time today to reflect on the ways that you feel good about yourself and can help pull out of your negative moods. Stay kind to others, and to yourself, and don't forget to take care of your mental health as you do the same for your physical health.
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