World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health issues globally and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2020, as per the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is “Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access”.
Background
The day was started as an annual activity of WFMH by then Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter. The day was first observed on October 10, 1992.
WHO’s Recent Report
As per the recent report of the World Health Organisation(WHO), India is the most depressed country in the world. It mentioned that 1 in 7 people from India suffered from mental illness like depression and anxiety from 1990 to 2017.
Joint release by the WHO, United for Global Mental Health and WFMH
Key Info
i.One of the most neglected areas of public health is mental health.
ii.Around 1 billion people are living with mental disorder, 3 million people die annually from the harmful use of alcohol and 1 person dies every 40 seconds by suicide.
iii.The mental health of people have been worsened by COVID-19 pandemic.
iv.Over 75% of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders do not receive treatment for their condition, in low- and middle-income countries.
v.On an average, countries spend only 2% of their health budgets on mental health.
vi.Even Though there are some increases in recent years, the international development assistance for mental health has never exceeded 1% of all development assistance for health.
Campaign- Move for mental health: let’s invest
A World Mental Health Day campaign, ‘Move for mental health: let’s invest’ started in September
Key Events
WHO for the 1st time host a global online advocacy Event on mental health
On the occasion of the day, WHO for the 1st time hosts a global online advocacy Event on mental health.
During the event, a special prize for a mental health film, a newly-created category of WHO’s inaugural Health for All Film Festival, will be awarded.
24-hour March for Mental Health
i.On October 9, 2020 People globally were encouraged to participate in a 24-hour virtual March for Mental Health. It featured people with lived experience among others.
ii.Apart from this, the global partner organizations who are leading and coordinating work on mental health are organizing sessions on specific themes, including mental health and older people, and mental health and the LGBTQ+ community among others.
iii.The March helps to increase awareness about mental health issues, break down stigma and bring about policy change
World Mental Health Day Campaign Educational Material
Ingrid Daniels, president of WFMH launched the 2020 World Mental Health Day Campaign Educational Material “Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access” under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Iman Afzan Al-Sultan Abdullah of Malaysia.
About World Federation for Mental Health(WFMH):
President- Ingrid Daniels
Headquarters– Texas, U.S.A(United States of America)
