“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” ― Glenn Close.
Sunday 10th October 2021 marks World Mental Health Day. Every year organisations and individuals come together to raise awareness of mental health issues affecting people from all walks of life all over the world. The aim of this awareness day is to improve mental health education, awareness and advocacy against the social stigma of discussing mental health issues.
This year’s theme ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ gets us all to take a step back and critically reflect on the global inequalities of access to mental health services and how we can work towards making positive changes, whilst removing the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness issues.
Re-Thinking Mental Illness – Ending The Stigma
When we think about mental health issues, we instantly associate it with traumatic events and challenging times caused by anxiety and depression. However, the health issues surrounding mental illness is much more than this! Mental health is about how we are feeling every day, and everyone, regardless of background should have equal access to mental health and wellness support.
With between 75% to 95% of people with mental health disorders in low- and middle-income countries unable to access mental health services, World Mental Health Day highlights the unequal access to mental health services. In comparison to health budgets, investment in mental health support is lacking and things are no better in high income countries, and as a result further contributing to the mental health treatment gap.
“Regardless of who you are or what you do for a living or where you come from, it doesn’t discriminate, we all kind of go through it.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
World Mental Health Day provides a vital platform for both individuals and organisations to inform and educate the world about what they are doing to remove the stigmas and inequalities surrounding mental health. Importantly, it gives those who are struggling with their mental health a voice to discuss how it affects their daily lives, further opening up communication channels to access much needed help and support.
Paving the way to Equality – Global Mental Health Support
Mental health is important at every stage of life. Together we can create a ripple effect by carrying out small actions every day to raise awareness of the global inequalities of access to mental health support, giving others the confidence to seek support they are entitled to.
So, what can you do to show your support from the ground up:
- Spot the Signs & Notice the Changes: Poor mental health can manifest itself in a number of ways, from physical and behavioural symptoms such as headaches and increased alcohol consumption, to emotional and cognitive symptoms such as feeling overwhelmed, anger, memory lapses and panic attacks.
- Be Supportive: Having someone to listen to your worries and concerns can at times make a world of difference. We don’t always want someone to tell us what to do when we are struggling with our mental health and wellbeing. Taking the time give someone your full attention, showing empathy rather than sympathy can help give that person in need of support a feeling of empowerment rather than pity. Asking open ended questions also gives that person a greater chance of talking openly, giving them an opportunity to talk honestly and more deeply about how they are truly feeling.
- Educate Yourself: Learning more about mental health is not only a valuable way to raise your personal awareness of mental health conditions, but also gives you the opportunity to discover the variety of mental health support services available to help maintain not only your own mental health and wellbeing, but also that of others, whether that be family, friends, co-workers or anyone else who may be in need of support.
When we choose to end the stigma, we choose the path to pave the way to equality in global mental health support, setting in motion a catalyst for change. Not only can we raise awareness, but we can also celebrate the achievements of those who have strived towards making changes in access to mental health and wellness support.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health
At MindSpace247 our mission is to remove the stigma from talking about mental illness and making taking care of your mental health and emotional wellbeing as easy as picking up the phone to make an appointment with your GP. We believe your mental health is equally as important as your physical health, and everyone, regardless of age, gender or background should be entitled to equal access to mental health therapy services.
If you are struggling with your mental health and wellness or concerned about someone you care about, our licensed and highly skilled therapists can help you work towards the steps need to improve your life and face the challenges you are dealing with in a healthy way.
Whatever your worries or concerns, our fully trained therapists are available and ready to support you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today for further information about our online therapy services Here. #endthestigma #WMHD2021 #ThisIsMe