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Globally, at least one of every ten people struggles with a mental health illness. In just the United States, that number doubles with at least two of every ten people (or one in every five people) experiencing a mental health illness. The ever-increasing prevalence of mental health illnesses around the world is becoming a global crisis.

Mental Health Illness

World Mental Health Day takes place every October 10 in an effort to combat the global mental health crisis. Each year, World Mental Health Day has a different theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). This theme helps motivate leaders and individuals to revive their efforts to better support and improve care for those struggling with mental health issues.

The theme of World Mental Health Day 2022 is to make mental health and well-being for all a global priority. The purpose of this theme is to push for making mental health treatment as common as physical health treatment. This year’s World Mental Health Day, and the whole month of October, will provide an opportunity for world leaders and mental health stakeholders to showcase how they are working to support the mental health crisis, and what work still needs to be done.

The History of World Mental Health Day

The first World Mental Health day was held on October 10, 1992, and was founded by the World Federation for Mental Health, a foundation that began in London in 1948 to increase advocacy and education around mental health. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of a global mental health day. Originally, World Mental Health Day didn’t have a yearly theme. Then, when the WFMH saw the popularity of the program, they started assigning a theme each year beginning in 1994. For countries around the world, weeks and months of effort go into supporting World Mental Health Day, with some countries having their initiatives run for days, weeks, or even the whole month.

The State of Mental Health Around the World

anxiety and depression increase during pandemicThe prevalence of mental health issues in individuals around the world continues to increase. In just the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by an alarming 25%. This drastic increase was caused by the increase of stress and isolation individuals experienced worldwide as a result of the pandemic.

Similarly, as the economy continues to fluctuate, and stress levels rise, mental health issues will continue to increase around the world. Despite the common increase in global mental health issues around the world, getting the appropriate care continues to be a problem. In lower-income countries, there is still a large stigma around mental health illnesses. The inability of these countries to recognize mental health as a real issue is a large barrier for them in providing access to mental health professionals in their communities. Higher-income countries also have a problem in providing access to mental health professionals, but the problem is that there is such a large number of individuals who need the care, and not enough resources to provide the care.

This World Mental Health Day, consider donating to causes that will help provide professional care for individuals struggling with mental health around the world to help support the theme of making mental health and well-being for all a global priority.

How to Show Your Support

There are several ways to show your support for World Mental Health Day. Below, we’ve included just a few simple ways to get involved. Consider your influence on individuals in your community and how you can use your unique influence to promote this year’s theme of making mental health and well-being for all a global priority.

Hold a workplace mental health training

Work can be a large source of stress for many individuals. It goes a long way for companies to be supportive of their employees’ mental health, and take strides in helping to support those struggling with their mental illness. As a company, it’s important to highlight resources you have for individuals who may be struggling, and provide basic training and tips that will be helpful for all employees in managing their mental health.

Practice self-care
What better way to celebrate World Mental Health Day than to do something for your mental well-being? Be sure to invite your friends and loved ones to also do something to benefit their mental health on October 10. Self-care can look like taking time to meditate, listening to a podcast that promotes mental health, exercising, doing a hobby you enjoy, signing up to visit a therapist, and so much more!

Donate to a cause that supports this year’s theme
Many organizations support global mental health support. Consider finding an organization that is personally meaningful to you and that will support this year’s theme of making mental health and well-being for all a global priority and make a donation to their cause.

Promote World Mental Health day on social media
Many individuals who struggle with their mental illness can feel alone and isolated. Further, many people aren’t aware of the global mental health crisis and the need for mental health professionals. Social media is a great way to inform your peers of these issues and motivate them to become educated on the issues and help support change. Consider posting about your own struggles with mental health, or reposting informational content to help support World Mental Health Day.

Train the youth on mental health illnesses
Mental health challenges among youth continue to increase in prevalence, and many don’t recognize that they are experiencing mental health issues, or don’t know how to get the help that they need. For any parent, school teacher, youth group leader, etc. it’s important to know what resources are available for the youth, and educate the youth on those resources, and signs to look out for in themselves and their friends.

How to Get Help for Your Mental Health

If you or a loved one are struggling with a potential mental health illness and don’t know how to get help, get started at The Phoenix Recovery Center. The Phoenix has in-house therapists and psychiatrists to help you get the correct diagnosis and care faster. We offer a variety of programs and therapy methods to tailor your therapy and recovery to your specific needs. To learn more, call us today at (801) 438-3185.

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