Overview:
Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act and communicate with others. It also helps determine how we handle stress and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
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 mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
Objectives:
- Promoting awareness on mental health problems around the world.
- Mobilizing efforts in support of mental health and reducing social stigma.
- Providing comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health and social care services in community settings.
- Paying more attention to health issues and psychological problems.
Facts:
- Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide.
- Mental health and behavioural problems (e.g. depression, anxiety and drug use) are reported to be the primary drivers of disability worldwide, causing over 40 million years of disability in 20 to 29-year-olds.
- It is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem.
- Physical activity and relaxation exercises, avoiding stress, accompanying people with positive attitudes, and seeking help when needed, enhances mental health and raises the quality of life.
Official Date:
Globally: October 10th, 2021.
Locally: Rabia Al-Awwal 4th, 1443H.
Theme:
«Mental Health Care for All: Let’s Make It a Reality»
References:
World Health Organization
Saudi MOH – World Health Days 2020