“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for the world to come together and begin to correct the historical neglect of mental health…” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization in 2020”.
Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day is celebrated. This date was established with the purpose of highlighting mental health problems.
Some key aspects of mental health are:
- Emotional well-being: Having emotional balance and being able to experience a wide range of emotions in a healthy way
- Healthy relationships: Maintain satisfactory and constructive interpersonal relationships with others.
- Resilience: The ability to face adversity and overcome it, adapting effectively to difficult circumstances
- Self-esteem: Having a positive image of yourself and feeling valuable.
- Ability to manage stress: Be able to deal with stressful situations effectively and develop strategies to reduce stress .
- Social support: Have a social support network that can provide help and understanding during difficult times.
- Self-awareness: Know and understand your own emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
- Good judgment and decision making: Be able to make informed and rational decisions.
The main reason behind its creation is to combat stigma but there are more important reasons for the existence of World Mental Health Day, here we explain some of them.
Destigmatization: Stigma can be harmful in many ways, as it can lead people to hide their mental health problems, avoid seeking help or treatment, and experience social isolation due to fear of judgment or discrimination, which is why it is important to address stigma around mental disorders and foster an environment where people feel comfortable seeking help and sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Awareness: Reminding society that mental health is an essential part of overall health is essential to change perception and ensure that people give it the same importance as physical health, having awareness about mental health can lead to a Early detection of problems before they become serious, increasing chances of recovery
Promoción de la salud mental: Educar a las personas sobre cómo mantener una buena salud mental, prevenir trastornos y acceder a servicios adecuados es crucial para el bienestar de todos. Es una importante inversión en la salud y el bienestar de las personas y sus comunidades.
Mental health promotion: Educating people on how to maintain good mental health, prevent disorders and access appropriate services is crucial for everyone’s well-being. It is an important in
vestment in the health and well-being of people and their communities
Support for people affected: World Mental Health Day provides support and recognition to those struggling with mental health issues, showing them that they are not alone and that resources and help are available.
Resource Mobilization: This date can catalyze efforts to improve mental health services, promote mental health-friendly policies, and increase investment in mental health care globally
It is essential to remember that mental health is an integral aspect of overall health, and taking care of it is essential to leading a full and balanced life
Psic. Casandra Díaz Cisneros