World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10th as a day to promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy.
It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.
World Mental Health Day is an annual event intended to increase awareness of mental disorders and bring people together in support of these issues. The theme for 2023 is Our Minds Our Rights…. as mental health is a universal human right for everyone. And everyone has the right to access quality treatment that meets our needs and respects our rights across our lifetimes.
A successful and meaningful life requires good mental health and well-being. It is vital to ensure that everyone can access community mental health services and supports. In particular, access to mental health support and resources in early life can make a real difference to the health and well-being of young people and adults in later life.
Community Support
According to the US National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), a sense of community is essential to a person’s mental health. Community is all about connection and is critical for us to thrive. This is especially true for someone living with mental illness who may already be experiencing loneliness and isolation. Studies show that feelings of isolation can be linked to: suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, more stress, less restful sleep, and greater difficulty paying attention and doing complex tasks.[1] Community provides many elements that are critical to mental health, most importantly:
- A sense of belonging where you can be yourself and are appreciated for your unique qualities.
- Support from a group of people who can help you through difficult situations.
- A feeling of purpose where everyone in a community fills different roles.
You can help by getting involved with a local Clubhouse as they provide resources and opportunities for recovery. There are over 320 Clubhouses worldwide. Learn more out the Independence Center, who is a community-based rehabilitation program for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses in the St. Louis area that is built on the Clubhouse model of rehabilitation. Learn more about the Independence Center.
If you’re local to St. Louis, find inner peace and enhance your wellbeing by joining the World Mental Health Day Yoga Event…and it’s FREE! Learn more.
Find more resources through the WashU Office of Faculty Development and Health and Wellness Program.