World Mental Health Day 2022 - Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority
World Mental Health Day (10 October), is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.
This day, each October, thousands of supporters come together to celebrate this annual awareness programme to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on people’s lives worldwide.  The theme chosen for 2022 is to highlight mental health should be treated the same as physical health which can impact everyone at home, work and in the community.
Mental health in 2022 - Ideas for change
This year we have experienced additional stresses and pressures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery as the world returns to a new a normal and the cost-of-living crisis we are currently experiencing. In these uncertain times stress can adversely impact our mental health and wellbeing. To help combat this we need to focus on making small, positive changes that are achievable. Initially this can seem hard, especially during uncertain times and not knowing where to start – so no matter what you have been through this year, use today to start making a positive impact on your own mental health and the health of those around you.Â
Try:
- Going for a walk.
- Reading your favourite book.
- Visiting a museum.
- Learning a new skill.
- Doing something creative.
- Taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone you know and trust.
Mental health statistics
- 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.
- Major depression is thought to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the burden of suicide and ischemic heart disease.
- It is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem
Support for mental health
For more information and support with mental health, you can visit NHS Every Mind Matters.
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with their mental health or being able to cope day to day, remember you are not alone. Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member or friend. If this isn’t possible, there are also a number of support services available such as the Samaritans 24hrs a day seven days a week. They offer free confidential advice on a number of mental health issues and can be contacted on 116 123.
For more support contact details covering a range of topics visit our Personal, Development, Behaviour and Attitude page.