World Mental Health Day was first launched on 10 October 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health and is now an annual activity observed by the World Health Organisation on 10th October each year.
The objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and encourage an increase in mental health support. Every campaign follows a different theme and this year’s theme is Mental Health for All. Greater Investment – Greater Access.
What is mental health and why is it so important to raise awareness?
Mental health is defined in the government’s ‘No Health without Mental Health’ policy as a ‘positive state of mind and body, feeling safe and able to cope, with a sense of connection with people, communities and the wider environment’.
When a person’s mental health is put out of balance it can affect their life considerably so it is vitally important that anyone suffering from mental health issues should be able to openly talk about their problems and access the help they need.
- 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.
- 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.
© Mind. This information is published in full at mind.org.uk
Bringing mental health conversations to the forefront is a priority so there is no longer a stigma attached to mental health problems. The message needs to be that it’s ok not to be ok and help is available if you need it.
There are many activities taking place in recognition of World Mental health day across the World. We are launching a 4 week series that explores how practising Mindfulness can keep us mentally healthy. The series includes video and audio content, meditations, info-graphics and guides that all help your employees to take control of their mental health and develop a positive state of mind for wellbeing.
Mindfulness for Positive Mental Health Series
Part 1 will start with a thorough introduction to mindfulness with guided meditations and breathing exercises. It’s suitable for any level of experience and a wonderful way to help you start your practise.
Part 2 will focus on what it means to have good mental health, common problems that may arise and how practising mindfulness can help. We’ll give you top tips on how to boost your mental health and meditations to help with stress, anxiety and other emotional difficulties that may arise.
Part 3 revolves around building resilience through mindfulness practice; strengthening ourselves so we are more able to cope with difficulties. We delve a little into the neuroscience of what mindfulness does to our brains and how that can help us manage difficult thoughts and emotions effectively.
Part 4 culminates in advice of how to strengthen you practise to gain the greatest benefits. This section will show you how to overcome the challenges that arise in mindfulness practice and build mindfulness into your daily life with the ultimate goal of develop good mental health.
To find out more about World mental health day visit The World Mental Health Foundation
Note: if you are suffering with a mental health condition and would like to access help you can visit
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
If you’d like to know more then Contact Us or call us on 0333 900 0212.
