World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is annually observed across the globe on 10th October to spread awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.
- The annual observance of WMHD is led by the World Federation for Mental Health(WFMH), the founder of the WMHD.
Theme:
i.The theme of UN’s WMHD 2024 is “Mental Health at Work’.
- The 2024 theme promotes the need to build a healthy and safe working environment in different aspects of the workplace.
ii.The theme of the WMHD campaign led by the World Federation for Mental Health(WFMH), the founder of WMHD, is “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”.
Symbol:
The green ribbon is the international symbol demonstrating the support for mental health. It represents hope, strength, support, and encouragement.
Background:
i.World Mental Health Day (WMHD) was started as an annual activity of WFMH in 1992 by then Deputy Secretary General of WFMH, Richard Hunter.
ii.The first ever WMHD was observed on 10th October 1992.
iii.The World Health Organization(WHO) has been organising the global campaign of WMHD since 2013.
UN System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and beyond:
The United Nations System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and beyond, launched in November 2023, is designed to assist the United Nations in creating a working environment that is conducive to good mental health and that ensures that support is available when it is needed.
- The first UN System Workplace Mental Health and well-being strategy was launched in 2018.
Mental Health:
i.Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
ii.Multiple individual, social and structural determinants may combine to protect or undermine our mental health and shift our position on the mental health continuum.
About the World Federation for Mental Health(WFMH):
President- Tsuyoshi Akiyama
Secretary General– Gabriel Ivbijaro
Headquarters- Virginia, The United States of America (USA)
Founded– 1948
