World Mental Health Day, which takes place on 10th October each year, is crucial for raising awareness around mental health. The World Mental Health Day 2024 theme is workplace mental health, which highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.
Why World Mental Health Day is important
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatised. Mental health conditions can impact anyone, at any time, regardless of age, gender, or background. In the UK, it’s estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year, with conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress becoming increasingly common. Despite the widespread prevalence of mental health issues, many people still face significant barriers to seeking help – whether it be stigma, lack of resources, or not knowing where to turn.
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to break down these barriers and create a collective push towards understanding, acceptance, and action. By putting a spotlight on mental health, we can create a society where people feel empowered to seek support, talk openly about their struggles, and work towards positive change for mental health services globally.
2024 theme: Prioritising mental health in the workplace
According to the World Federation for Mental Health, employed adults spend more time working than any other activity during their waking hours. In several ways, work can provide a livelihood and be a source of meaning, purpose, and joy. But, for too many people, work can fall far short of its potential, failing to enhance people’s lives and impacting our mental health and wellbeing negatively.
World Mental Health Day 2024 highlights various aspects of mental health at work, from workplace conditions and stress management, to the importance of social inclusion and empowerment. The goal is clear: to champion mental health in the workplace, and build best practices that create cultures where workers have the potential to contribute productively and thrive.
How people can support their themselves and others
Supporting our mental health is not just a personal responsibility. It’s something we can all contribute to within our communities, workplaces, and families. Here are a few ways we can support our mental wellbeing and help those around us:
- Stay connected: Building strong relationships and maintaining social connections can have a significant impact on mental health. Reaching out to friends, family, or colleagues, or just being there for someone who may be struggling, can provide a sense of security and emotional support.
- Practice self care: Mental health is deeply connected to how we treat ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. Taking care of yourself can mean making time for activities that help you relax, such as exercise, meditation, reading, or enjoying a hobby.
- Open the conversation: Talking about mental health helps reduce stigma. Whether you’re struggling or not, start conversations about mental health in your circle. Encourage people to share their feelings and let them know it’s okay to ask for help.
- Be informed: Knowledge is power. Understanding the signs of mental health struggles can help you identify when you or someone you care about needs support. The NHS provides useful resources on how to recognise negative mental health symptoms, and other organisations, such as Mind and the Samaritans, offer valuable tools and advice for managing your mental health.
What to do if you’re struggling
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are steps you can take to get help. The NHS offers clear guidance on managing mental health concerns. Here are a few options:
- Visit your GP: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or noticing signs of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or changes in behaviour, speak with your GP. They can offer guidance, provide referrals to specialists, and sometimes prescribe treatment or therapy. Contact your Primary Care 24 GP practice and ask for an urgent appointment if you are struggling.
- Call NHS 111: For immediate advice on mental health crises or if you need urgent help outside of office hours, you can call NHS 111. They can provide guidance and direct you to appropriate services.
- Mental health resources: There are many online resources that can support mental health recovery:
- Mind offers information, a helpline, and services for people experiencing mental health problems. There are also many patients’ shared experiences on the Mind website, which can help you feel understood in whatever you are struggling with.
- Samaritans provides 24/7 support for anyone struggling to cope, offering a free, confidential helpline.
- Rethink Mental Illness provides advice, information, and support to people affected by mental illness.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offers support and services for people who are struggling with their mental health, particularly with suicidal feelings.
Conclusion
Mental health is a fundamental part of overall wellbeing, and World Mental Health Day 2024 serves as a timely reminder of the need for increased awareness, support, and action. Whether it’s improving access to mental health services, reducing stigma, or offering support to employees and colleagues, we all play a role in making mental health care a reality for everyone. By fostering open conversations, seeking help when needed, and promoting mental health initiatives, we can make significant strides towards a healthier, more supportive world for everyone.
