WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10th. It is a global initiative to increase awareness about mental health and maximize efforts to support mental health services. World Mental Health Day signifies the importance of mental health and importance of supporting one another in the collective journey towards mental wellness.
Mental Health affects all directly or indirectly. It is the vital aspect of our overall health and we should encourage open conversations on this topic. Moreover, access to mental health care should be available to everyone regardless of age, caste, location, society and economic background. It is very important that equal and accessible mental health services should be available to all individuals as mental health is a fundamental aspect of human well being and dignity. In reality, millions of people struggle with mental health problems like anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis etc. Moreover, modern life pressures, social media, societal expectations exaggerate mental problems. So now we know……………….. Mental Health is so so important.
According to WHO, theme for World Mental Health Day, 2024 is ” Mental Health at work.” Good Mental Health at workplace is very very important. Thus, many organizations and companies recognizes the importance of mental health of their employees. Some workplaces can be source of stress, anxiety, burnout, trauma etc. So, there should be sessions like counselling, flexible work schedules and mental health days celebrations for employees. Employees should be supported and their mental health should be treated as equal as physical health.

MENTAL HEALTH IS A UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT.
Like physical health, Mental health is also a right for every individual regardless of his gender, caste, economic status and geographical location. Inspite of this, mental health services are mostly underfunded and under-prioritized in most of the underdeveloped and developing countries. According to WHO, governments invest average of 2% of their health budgets on mental health services despite of increasing global burden of mental disorders. We urge governments to prioritize mental health services.
MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS GLOBALLY

According to WHO, one in eight people worldwide are affected by a mental disorder. Such is the effect of rising mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders etc. Young population face social isolation, academic failures which impact their emotional well being leading to mental disorders.
TECHNOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH
Technology plays a very important role in mental health care. Mental health services are becoming more accessible through mental health apps, online counselling services and other digital platforms. Challenges in digital online health services is lack of human connection. Government agencies should focus on how to utilize the benefits of technology for improved mental health services.
HOW TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Governments, Health care systems, communities, NGO’s must work together to improve mental health services.
1. Government should allocate more funds to mental health care services and must assure that services are available and affordable for all. This can be achieved by community based mental health services.
2. Schools, colleges, workplaces, communities, local NGO’s can play an important role in raising awareness and improve mental health literacy. Awareness camps and campaigns should be organized to educate people about mental health issues and their impact on individuals and workplaces.
3. General practioners, nurses and other healthcare workers should be provided training for early detection and treatment of mental health conditions. Healthcare providers must be equipped with the skills to address mental health issues.
4. Special mental health services must be provided to vulnerable populations like refugees, people below poverty line , people affected by natural disasters.
5. Mental health care should be part of routine health check ups. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. This can be achieved by including mental health services into primary healthcare systems.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE INTERCONNECTED
PHYSICAL HEALTH IMPACTS MENTAL HEALTH
- Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart diseases etc can lead to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, stress etc.
- Balanced diet and healthy gut microbiome improves mental health.
- Regular physical activity releases endorphins and serotonin that reduces stress, anxiety and depression symptoms.
- Good deep sleep improves mood, cognitive function and mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS PHYSICAL HEALTH
- Chronic stress increases inflammation in the body and lowers immunity.
- Depression or anxiety can lead to chronic diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or obesity.
- Unhealthy habits like substance abuse or overeating can harm physical health.
- Poor mental health can lead to poor self care leading to neglect of physical health.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
- Nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management improves both physical and mental health.
- Regular mindfulness, meditation and yoga helps in improving both physical and mental health.
- Positive relationships and social connections also helps in improving both physically and mentally. Prioritizing both physical and mental health improves overall well being and quality of life.

Let’s we all work together to improve mental health in the workplace and create a healthier world. Mental health must be valued, prioritized and accessible to all.
Silence must be broken, stigmas must be shattered, compassion, empathy and understanding must be cultivated to improve mental health. REMEMBER, Mental Health matters everyday, not just 10 October.
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