World Mental Health Day 2022: Significance, History, Theme & Aim
The world commemorates World Mental Health Day to increase awareness of mental health concerns and to support individuals who are dealing with stress, anxiety or trauma.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, the COVID-19 pandemic raised the incidence of anxiety and depression globally by 25%.
The WHO estimates that depression and anxiety cost the world economy close to $1 trillion annually due to the projected 12 billion working days lost.
According to the WHO, escalating social and economic disparities, protracted conflicts, violence, and public health emergencies affecting entire communities pose further threats to the advancement of better wellbeing.
Significance of World Mental Health Day 2022
Stigma and discrimination keep many people from receiving the treatment they require, even in areas where assistance is available.
The goal of World Mental Health Day is to mobilize support and increase awareness of mental health issues.
A day designated to mental health refocuses attention on the issue. The numerous activities, events, and discussions held on this day help raise awareness of mental health issues.
History of World Mental Health Day
The World Federation for Mental Health began observing World Mental Health Day on October 10, 1992, as an annual event.
The day’s initial goals were public awareness raising and advocating for mental health without a specific topic.
As a result of the campaign’s popularity, a subject for the day was adopted for the first time in 1994:
“Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.”
The number of people celebrating the day increased yearly. Women and mental health (1996), children and mental health (1997), mental health and human rights (1998), and mental health and aging were some of its early themes (1999).
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“Make mental health and well-being for all a worldwide priority” is the topic of World Mental Health Day in 2022.
World Mental Health Day preparations begin months in advance, and in some nations the program lasts for days or even weeks.
Mental Health In India After COVID Pandemic
A WHO analysis states that between 1990 and 2017, one in seven Indians experienced a severe mental disease, such as sadness or anxiety.
Following the pandemic, there has been an increase in mental illness in the nation. In the first 6 months of 2021, there were six times as many heart attack fatalities as in the preceding years.
This is thought to be the outcome of the extreme emotional stress experienced during Covid. The number of people expressing thoughts of self-harm has clearly increased. Heart problems and diabetes are linked to mental disease.
World Mental Health Day serves as a trigger for individuals to become more knowledgeable, seek assistance, show support, and be open to having vulnerable dialogues.
Theme of World Mental Health Day 2022
The theme of World Mental Health Day 2022 this year is – ‘Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority’.
An approximated one in eight persons worldwide were thought to be suffering from a mental illness prior to the epidemic. A worldwide mental health catastrophe was brought on by the pandemic.
Vision of WHO for World Mental Health Day 2022
The WHO has mentioned on its site –
“Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic.
At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.
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We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need.”
Aim of World Mental Health Day 2022
According to the WHO, World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness about mental health and is a chance for people who have mental health conditions to come together to acknowledge progress in this area and speak out about what is required in order to ensure that mental health & well-being become a global priority for everyone.
