World Mental Health Day 2019

A recent index of 301 diseases has found mental health problems to be one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide.

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is observed on 10th October every year, with the overall aim of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and promoting positive change for mental health advocacy.

Hosted by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), WMHD was observed for the first time in 1992, with the goal of promoting the prevalence of mental health issues and educating the public on proactive treatment methods.

This year, the WFMH has chosen to make “suicide prevention” the main theme of WMHD.

Suicide prevention

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 800,000 people die by suicide a year, making it the principal cause of death among people fifteen to twenty-nine years old.

To recognise the growing rates of suicide worldwide, the WFMH invite you to join the campaign for WMHD 19 and, to help make a significant difference all over the world for this very important issue.

By making suicide prevention the theme of WMHD 19, WFMH’s objective is to attract the attention of worldwide governments, so that the issue of suicide prevention is given priority in public health agendas around the world.

Mental health top tips

In recognition of WMHD 19, we have collated several practical tips on how to look after your mental health. These include:

1. Ask for help - If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to those close to you. You may find that a few wise words from your partner or a family member is enough to get you back on track.
2. Plenty of sleep - Sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions and an imbalance in those chemicals can result in us becoming depressed or anxious.
3. Eat well - A balanced diet that is good for your physical wellbeing is also good for your mental wellbeing. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well.
4. Avoid alcohol - The numbing effects of drinking are only temporary and can often lead to mental health issues. It’s advised that if you do drink, that you stay within the governing bodies recommended unit guidelines.

How do I get involved?

Green ribbon - Show your support for mental health and join the Mental Health Foundation’s movement by ordering a green ribbon badge here. All proceeds go towards finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems.

Tea & talk - Raise funds by hosting a Tea & Talk event in your workplace. Simply get together with a group of colleagues, put the kettle on, invite them to donate to the Mental Health Foundation and start a conversation about mental health. If you are stuck for ideas and need more resources, click here for more information.

Social media - Help raise awareness of WMHD 19 by using the hashtag #worldmentalhealthday on social media and following the WFMH’s social channels here.

If you would like more information on suicide prevention, or if you have any other wellbeing concerns, please call our free, 24-hour helpline on:

0800 030 5182