Introduction:
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and highlighting the dangers of stress and its relationship to other diseases and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health.
Facts:
- Mental health is an integral part of public health; indeed, there is no health without mental health.
- Mental health is influenced by social, economic, biological and environmental factors.
- Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14.
- One in four people in the world will be affected by some form of mental disorders.
- About 800 000 people commit suicide every year.
- Wars and disasters affect mental health.
- Mental and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide.
- Around 20% of the world's children and adolescents have mental disorders or problems.
- Community stigma prevent many patients from seeking mental health care.
Official Date:
Globally: Oct. 10th, 2019
Locally: Safar 11th, 1441H
Objectives:
- Promote awareness on mental health problems around the world.
- Provide mental health services, as well as comprehensive and integrated social care in different community environments.
- Boost mental health information, data and research systems.
- Implement preventive health promotion strategies.
- Promote effective leadership in mental health management.
- Pay more attention to mental health issues and problems.
- Activate and mobilize efforts in support of better mental health.
- Activate efforts to support mental health.
- Prioritize mental health topics.
Theme of World Mental Health Day:
“Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention”