World Mental Health Day 2018
The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”.
We all experience feeling down, upset, stressed or worried. Fortunately, these feelings tend to pass and we are able to move forward. For many however, these issues develop into a more serious problem and can affect the way we think, behave, and feel, impacting upon our ability to function in day-to-day life.
Every year, one in six of us will experience mental ill health; yet only a quarter will seek and receive treatment. The global burden of mental and substance use disorders is steadily rising. The latest Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health report predicts over 13 million lives could be saved each year if mental illness was appropriately addressed. It is fundamental that mental wellbeing is taken seriously, and that the stigma, which continues to surround mental illness, is broken down, so that people can feel comfortable accessing support.
This year the focus of World Mental Health Day is young people and mental health in a changing world.
Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, many young people live in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies, there is a steady rise of harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents, LGBTQ youth are feeling alone and persecuted and, in an increasingly connected world, online bullying is widespread.
It is vital to raise awareness about the issues young people face on a daily basis. It is important to encourage children and adolescents to share their feelings, discuss their problems, and promote healthy coping strategies, so that resilience within youths can be developed and mental distress avoided.
In support of World Mental Health Day, Mental Health First Aid has launched the #HandsUp4HealthyMinds Toolkit. This resource, which provides accessible and reliable tips and information about mental wellbeing, is designed for young people, parents, schools, colleges, universities, and practitioners.
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