“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within” ~ Maya Angelou
Today, Sunday, October 10, 2021, is World Mental Health Day.
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to increase awareness of mental health issues and break down stigma.
This year’s theme is: “Mental Health Care for All: Let’s Make it a Reality” #WorldMentalHealthDay.
The pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health, so it is important to take a step back and focus on maintaining a healthy mind and to focus on mental and emotional well-being.
Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day. The pandemic has had a major impact on people's mental health, so it is important to take a step back and focus on maintaining a healthy mind.
What are some more ways you can prioritize your mental health? #mentalhealth #mindfulness pic.twitter.com/vKdo1AzyIa— unlearn. (@unlearn_com) October 10, 2021
Key Mental Heath facts:
- Close to one billion people globally have a mental disorder and anyone, anywhere, can be affected.
- Young people are struggling most with their mental health. The proportion of youth ages 11-17 who accessed screening was 9 percent higher than the average in 2019. Not only are the number of youth searching for help with their mental health increasing, but throughout the COVID-19 pandemic youth ages 11-17 have been more likely than any other age group to score for moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from depression.
- Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experience a mental disorder. Half of all such disorders start by age 14 years but most are undetected and untreated.
- People with severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia tend to die 10-20 years earlier than the general population.
- One in every 100 deaths is by suicide. It is the fourth leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29 years.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on people’s mental health. People screening at risk for mental health conditions are struggling most with loneliness or isolation. From April to September 2020, among people who screened with moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, 70 percent reported that one of the top three things contributing to their mental health concerns was loneliness or isolation.
Today is an excellent opportunity to discuss mental health in general, how to eliminate the stigma associated with it, and the necessity of speaking out when dealing with a mental health problem.
Simple ways to focus on your mental health and emotional well-being
Taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally should start with your first thoughts and actions of the day. Instead of checking social media, draw in a few deep breaths, and think of three things you’re grateful and thankful for. These can be significant, like your spouse, job or health, or modest, like the weather, the view from your window, or even the luxury of those first breaths.
There are a number of actions or activities you can try if there are times when you’re not feeling at your best mentally or emotionally:
- Take part in a physical activity – this can include things like walking, dancing, cycling and even a game of hide and seek or tag!
- Spend time with supportive people – these could be friends, family members or people at school or church – even if you aren’t able to meet in person, virtual meetings can be just as beneficial.
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
- Spend time outdoors.
- Plan something to look forward to like reading a new book, baking something tasty, or taking part in a sport or activity you love.
- Consume a healthy and balanced diet, which includes treating yourself occasionally, and eliminating alcohol and drugs.
- Help others as giving back can help you feel better.
Source: Mental Health America
References: