World Mental Health Day is a vital reminder of the significance of nurturing our inner well-being. This annual observance on October 10th provides a moment for us all to reflect on the importance of discussing mental health. As the world becomes more aware of the impact of mental health on our overall well-being, it’s crucial to engage with this day to promote positive change. At its heart, World Mental Health Day encourages conversations, support, and understanding to reduce stigmas and pave a positive path for the future.
At Integrative Healthcare Center, our psychiatry and wellness therapies aim to treat many mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We acknowledge and support efforts such as World Mental Health Day to increase awareness and promote positive change. Whether you want to enhance your mental health with comprehensive therapies or support your community, this blog will explore five meaningful ways to observe World Mental Health Day 2023.
History of World Mental Health Day
In 1992 the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH), led by then-Deputy Secretary-general Richard Hunter, founded World Mental Health Day. The initial goal was to advocate for global mental health awareness. At that time, many countries faced untreated mental health issues, including struggles to secure public funding for treatment and a lack of understanding about mental health.
During the first three years, the WFMH organized a two-hour telecast through the U.S. information agency satellite to spread its advocacy message. This effort allowed them to convey the importance of mental health awareness on a global scale.
The inaugural theme for World Mental Health Day in 1994 was ‘Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.’ This event garnered feedback and inspired national campaigns in several countries. Over the years, this day has become a platform for discussing various mental health topics, including women’s mental health, children’s mental health, workplace mental health, trauma, suicide prevention, and more.
Why is World Mental Health Day So Important to Observe?
World Mental Health Day holds immense importance, reminding us of mental health’s critical role. This observance encourages conversations and actions that prioritize mental well-being, reducing the stigmas surrounding mental health challenges. By openly discussing these issues, we can shatter stereotypes, such as those described by the American Psychiatric Association, and promote empathy, making it easier for individuals to seek help without judgment.
The day also highlights the connection between mental and physical health, emphasizing the need for holistic well-being. It beckons communities, governments, and organizations to invest in mental health support systems and improve access to services, addressing a long-standing treatment gap.
No matter how you observe, individuals can foster awareness, fight stigma, promote holistic health, and advocate for improved mental health support systems. Celebrating World Mental Health Day contributes to a world where mental health is valued and prioritized, benefiting individuals and society.
5 Ways to Observe World Mental Health Day 2023
Here are five excellent ways to take part in World Mental Health Day, either for yourself or to help others be their best selves:
1. Identify Areas of Concern – If mental health complications arise, highlight areas of improvement that could be causing them. Find time to ask yourself what changes you need in your life. As society continues to shatter various stigmas regarding mental health, we can now correctly diagnose ourselves when things are awry. Understand your goals, struggles, driving forces, and everything in between so you have an apparent reference when making adjustments.
2. Prioritize Self-Care – Addressing your mental health starts with analyzing your daily endeavors and adjusting accordingly. Prioritize self-care throughout your day by following a regular sleep schedule, maintaining a healthy diet, taking breaks when needed, and knowing when something feels off. According to the National Library of Medicine, physical activity can positively impact mental health, so exercise is a healthy inclusion in your routine.
If you’re still unsure or uncertain, talk to experts who can help you get started with positive life changes – nutritionists, personal trainers, life coaches, and other professionals can help you shift your routine in beneficial ways without giving up what you love.
3. Be Open and Honest – If you struggle with your mental health, the worst thing you can do is hide it. Part of reducing stigmas is being open with yourself and with others. Whether a close companion, loved one, friend, or relative, don’t be afraid to dive into your concerns and what’s causing them. Often, these individuals will have sound advice to follow, with solutions you may not have considered beforehand.
While most people who genuinely care about you will listen to what you have to say, there are times when your concerns may seem moot. It can be difficult not to feel discouraged when this happens, but it can be a great indication of who you should keep in your circle and who you’re better off without. Don’t be afraid to sever ties with those who have no help to give or care not about your well-being.
4. Lend a Helping Hand – It’s essential to remember you’re not alone in your mental struggles. Even if you’re in a favorable spot, don’t forget that not everyone will be. Observing World Mental Health Day involves lending a helping hand to those in need. Hear them out like you’d want someone to hear your concerns. This mutual understanding and acceptance from both parties fosters beneficial communication and a continued effort to break various stigmas regarding mental health.
While being there for someone you care about is crucial for positive outcomes, bringing up these situations unprovoked can be tricky. If you sense something may be off with a close companion or loved one, bring it up privately. Putting someone on the spot when discussing mental health may make them less inclined to be open and honest.
5. Seek Out Treatment When Needed – Similar to discussing your mental state with close connections, you should always seek out treatment if you feel it’s necessary. Untreated mental health complications can worsen over time, making intervention more challenging. By staying ahead and finding solutions early, you can adequately target various causes of your situation and receive the guidance you need to move forward.
Unfortunately, many believe seeking treatment is a sign of weakness or ineptitude; this couldn’t be less true. It requires courage to take those first steps, whether calling a hotline, checking into a center, or attending a therapy session. Knowing something is off and finding a solution is a sign of strength, as you know you need an adjustment and can be honest with yourself. The best part is that so many interventions exist to impact your mental health positively. Often, it’s a matter of knowing your resources and, again, taking that first leap.
Better Mental Health Begins at Integrative Healthcare Center
At Integrative Healthcare Center, we’ve found that one of the most disheartening things an individual seeking mental health treatment can face is a lack of accessibility and convenience. No one should ever feel without options when looking to enhance their lives. That’s why we offer flexible and accommodating mental health interventions with a patient-centered approach.
Our evidence-based therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), biofeedback, depression treatment, and others, work to target the root causes of your complications and provide effective solutions.
If you or a loved one requires comprehensive mental health treatment, don’t wait. Call (855) 599-9987 or fill out the form on our website to get started with a free consultation.