The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
The slogan this year is Mental Health Care for all: let’s make it a reality.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. And services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted. Yet there is cause for optimism. During the World Health Assembly in May 2021, governments from around the world recognized the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels. And some countries have found new ways of providing mental health care to their populations.” (World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2021)
You may ask, what can we do to celebrate World Mental Health Day in our small communities?
It begins by not being afraid to start a conversation about mental health; being honest and open helps to break down the stigma that we have to be perfect and aren’t allowed to be human. We can wear a green ribbon to show others that we support the need for mental health services for all people, even in our small towns. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local officials in office, it truly does make a difference when they receive emails or letters from the people they represent to make decisions on bills and laws that offer mental health services right here where we live. We can even share stories, resources, or quotes on social media to break the silence and reach even one person that might be unsure of how to take that first step to reach out for help. To everyone working in the mental health field, it is easy to get burnt out in our type of work if we are not caring for ourselves properly. Support and encourage one another, work on setting good boundaries between work and home life and remember what initially made you want to be a voice for this vulnerable population. #WorldMentalHealthDay
By: Lacey Skwortz MSW, LCSW
If you or a loved one develops any of the symptoms above, it is of utmost importance to act F.A.S.T. and call 911. The longer a person goes without treatment, the more likely he or she is to have permanent problems from the stroke
Mental health counseling can benefit people struggling with emotional difficulties, life challenges, and mental health concerns. In therapy, people learn to cope with symptoms that may not respond to treatment right away. Research shows the benefits of therapy last longer than medication alone.