This day was first observed as an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy in 1992. This day is to highlight issues of social stigma as a result of those struggling with mental health conditions and reduce the societal determinants as the catalysts for such conditions. This particular year, our world has seen unprecedented amounts of violence against people of color, discrimination, poverty and income disparities, issues of immigration, lack of access to healthcare, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic to name a few. This has brought a sense of unrest in the United States and the world. The World Federation for Mental Health is a global mental health organization that has members in over 150 countries. In some countries there is a full week to observe. This day is also supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an agency with the initiative to address issues of international public health. Each year, the World Federation for Mental Health selects a theme to focus on. This year’s theme is “Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access,” with a focus on the basic human right for quality and accessible health care for everyone.
Their recent “Call to Action” enlisted the following calls:
“1. Recognize and respond to racism in all its forms as a threat
to health and well-being across the lifespan.
2. Stimulate and accelerate efforts to achieve the SDG targets
3. Invest in social and behavioral interventions.
4. Ensure access to quality and affordable mental health care
and primary care.”
For more information on how to be apart of the solution, check out the World Federation for Mental Health website: https://wfmh.global/
“You can also join a virtual March for Mental Health on [October 9-10, 2020 as] the World Federation for Mental Health will join partners around the world to March for Mental Health. A 24-hour Facebook live-stream will feature rallying content from expert voices, lived experience and influencers.”