How To Mark World Mental Health Day 2024

World Mental Health Day is on the horizon, celebrated every year on 10 October. But what is it? And how can we get involved?

What Is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is an annual international awareness day promoting education and awareness of mental health and advocacy against social stigma. Supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it has been marked every year since 1992, and thousands of people across the globe contribute to events and programmes held as part of the day.

What Is The Theme?

Every year, World Mental Health Day has a theme or specific goal. This year, the theme is ‘mental health at work’, emphasising how safe and healthy working environments can protect our mental health. ‘Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks,’ the WHO says, ‘affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work.’

Because World Mental Health Day is all about improving mental health for everyone across the globe, it’s important to acknowledge that 60 percent of the global population is in work. ‘It is essential for governments, employers, the organisations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at work,’ the WHO continues. ‘Action to address mental health at work should be done with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives, and persons with lived experience of mental health conditions. By investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life. Let’s take action today for a healthier future.’

Themes in recent years include:

• 2023: Mental health is a universal human right
• 2022: Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority
• 2021: Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality
• 2020: Increased investment in mental health

In the UK, charity Mind has launched a campaign in line with Mental Health Awareness Week, addressing a different theme: the nation’s mental health crisis, with more than 2 million people stuck on waiting lists for NHS services. ‘They need support now, not in six months’ time. No in a year,’ Mind states. The ‘No Mind Left Behind’ campaign is lobbying the government to reform the Mental Health Act, raise the standard of mental health hospitals, build a network of support hubs so young people can access support before they reach crisis point, support people with mental health problems to thrive at work, and mae benefits assessments work for disabled people so everyone has a financial safety net when they need it. You can sign the petition here.

How To Mark World Mental Health Day

• Arrange (or ask your company to arrange) a workplace mental health talk
• Host a ‘tea and talk’ either at work in in your local community, encouraging people to get together and talk about mental health
• Donate to a charity supporting mental health; in the UK, the likes of Mind, Samaritans, CALM and local charities would really value your support
• Check in on your friends – here are five ways to do just that
• Book a loved one into a great spa

How To Improve Your Mental Health

As societal trends continue to shift towards wellness, mental health and wellbeing can sometimes melt into the periphery while diet fads, fitness trends and alternative therapies steal the limelight. But mental health is a large part of our overall health, and it is important to prioritise it.

If you are really struggling with your mental health after speaking to friends and family, you should reach out to a professional for help. In the first instance, that’s usually your GP, but could also be a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner if you call 111, the Samaritans (call 116 123, open 24/7), or any of the helplines listed here.

Otherwise, if you’re feeling low and you’re looking for a pick-me-up, here are some ways to get started:

• Get some regular exercise – even just a 30 minute walk could boost your mood
• Read a book about mental health; here are nine of our favourites
• Prioritise your sleep
• Ensure you are eating regular, healthy, balanced meals and you are drinking enough water
• Start a gratitude journal (here’s why it could help)
• Try a relaxing activity like painting, reading or yoga
• Take some self care ‘me’ time, like having a relaxing bath
• Consider investing in some gadgets to improve mental health
• Get outside into nature
• Arrange to spend quality time with your friends and/or family
• Listen to a podcast about wellbeing for more advice and insight

Woodland walk, Sherwood Forest, UK (WWF)

A Prescription For Nature

In line with World Mental Health Day, animal charity WWF has launched a brand new campaign – ‘A Prescription for Nature’ – to shine a light on the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. According to WWF, nine in 10 Brits agree that spending time in nature has positive effects on their mental health (and evidence shows just 20 minutes in nature can be beneficial), but a third spend time in it just once a week or less. Why? WWF’s research revealed people feel they don’t have enough time, don’t have easy access to green space, or don’t feel welcome in their local natural spaces.

Thus, WWF is issuing the nation a prescription for nature: no matter where they live, what their circumstances are and whatever the weather, the charity wants the British public to experience the benefits of nature on our wellbeing. Supported by Geri Halliwell-Horner, Andy Murray, Ellie Goulding, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Joe Wicks and more, the campaign includes an online hub full of ways to get your daily dose, spanning family activities to bringing nature into the home. You can also order a wellness pack and even chat to a bot for personalised prescriptions. Find the hub at wwf.org.uk