According to the World Health Organisation, world mental health day is the chance we have to “protect and improve mental health.”
It has already been established that one out of eight persons has a mental health issue.
And with the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, anxiety, and depression levels are on the increase.
The World Health Organisation said the Covid-19 pandemic now causes about 25 percent of depression and anxiety worldwide.
According to them, low and middle-income countries are the ones that have been very much affected by the pandemic. Due to the pandemic’s effects on their economies, many households in third-world countries constantly worry about their survival.
WHO also mentioned that conflicts worldwide are also contributing factors to the increasing mental health issues.
In the situation of Ukraine, where people are killed and injured daily, depression and anxiety have become a daily occurrence. As we celebrate World Mental Health Day 2022, we should reflect on the need to be at peace with others, as war has cost the world a lot.
World Mental Health Day is an international day where people are educated about mental health and advocacy against discrimination.
It was first celebrated in 1992 through the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health.
In 2022, the theme for mental health day is “make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”
What is Mental Health
So, as we celebrate World Mental Health Day in 2022, it is worth knowing what is mental health and how we can improve.
From the definition by the World Health Organisation, our mental health is ” a state of 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.”
According to the World Health Organisation, our mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders.
There are times we might be suffering from psychological disorders without knowing. The World Health Organisation advises that one should see their doctor frequently to ensure they are mentally stable.
Mental Health Treatment Decline
WHO says more than 80 million people have been displaced because of natural disasters like the Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts.
The World Health Organisation further said that because of such occurrences, the treatment of people with mental health issues is significantly declining.
As a result of the decline in mental health treatments, many of those with mental illnesses die prematurely. According to the World Health Organisation statistics, people with mental illness are now dying 20 years earlier than average.
The health organization also mentioned that stigma and discrimination are something that humans need to stop against those suffering from mental issues. While celebrating World Mental Health Day 2022, we need to stop discriminating against those who show attributes of mental illness.
The United Nations have also stepped in with their Good Health And Well-being Sustainable Development Goal, which calls for integrating mental health into primary health care by 2030.
