World Mental Health Day 2024 is recognised on Thursday 10th October, and it's more important than ever to raise awareness of mental health issues across the globe.
Whether you’re an individual, an employer, or part of an organisation, this is a day to make mental health a priority and reduce the stigma around mental health conditions.
Mental health awareness is essential to workplace culture and societal well-being, so understanding its significance is crucial for everyone. If you’re looking for ways to support mental health in your business or raise awareness in your community, this article provides insights into making it easier to talk about mental health openly and effectively.
What is World Mental Health Day, and Why Does It Matter?
World Mental Health Day (WMD) is an annual event initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to raise awareness about mental health issues worldwide. Since its inception in 1992, the day has grown into a global campaign to improve mental health services, reduce the stigma around mental health, and provide a platform for advocacy. World Mental Health Day 2024 emphasises the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the workplace, where mental health problems can be overlooked.
Mental health is a universal human right, and World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of mental wellbeing. It is a time to prioritise mental health in both policy-making and everyday life, ensuring that mental health services are accessible to everyone and that conversations about mental health continue to grow.
Why is World Mental Health Day Held on 10 October Every Year?
World Mental Health Day is held annually on 10th October to synchronise global efforts to raise mental health awareness. The World Federation for Mental Health selected this date to create a sense of unity among the nations and organisations working towards mental health advocacy. The day provides an opportunity to mobilise efforts and call for action from governments, organisations, and communities to invest in mental health.
World Mental Health Day 2024: Time to Prioritise Mental Health
The theme of World Mental Health Day 2024 is “It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health at Work.” This year’s theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing across all levels of society, including individuals, families, and organisations. In particular, the 2024 theme calls for action in the workplace, recognising that mental health is essential for overall wellbeing. Around 12 billion working days are estimated to be lost every year to depression and anxiety alone, which costs the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity1.
The theme highlights the need for accessible mental health services and better policies for mental health support. Prioritising mental health means creating environments that foster good mental health, raise awareness, and reduce stigma.
Mental Health in the Workplace: How Can Employers and Business Owners Make a Difference?
Mental health in the workplace is a crucial topic. Research shows that a mentally healthy workplace leads to higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, and overall better employee well-being. Employers play a significant role in fostering workplace mental health by promoting a culture of openness, offering mental health resources, and reducing stigma.
One of the most effective ways to support mental health at work is through regular check-ins and providing mental health services such as counselling or employee assistance programs. Leaders and managers can be trained to recognise signs of mental health issues and support their teams by promoting mental wellbeing in the workplace.
How Can Talking About Mental Health Help Reduce Stigma?
Talking about mental health is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Open conversations about mental health create an environment where individuals feel safe to discuss their experiences and seek help without fear of judgment.
By encouraging discussions around mental health in the workplace, schools, and communities, we can begin to reduce the stigma around mental health. The goal is to make mental health a topic that is as important and normalised as physical health, allowing more people to seek the support they need without shame.
Practical Tips for Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Daily Life
Try to make mental wellbeing a daily priority, not just a focus on World Mental Health Day. Some practical tips for promoting mental health include:
- Self-care practices: Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
- Check-ins: Regularly assess your mental health and reach out to others if you feel overwhelmed.
- Support networks: Build and maintain strong social connections to provide emotional support when needed.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can improve your mental wellbeing and reduce the impact of stress.
The Impact of Lived Experience: Why It’s Important to Listen to People with Mental Health Conditions
People with lived experience of mental health issues offer invaluable insights into what it means to navigate mental health challenges. Their experiences can inform policies, improve mental health services, and promote empathy in workplaces and communities.
Listening to people with lived experience also helps in breaking down the stigma associated with mental health conditions. It humanises the issue and encourages others to share their stories, making it easier to talk about mental health and seek help.
How to Support Mental Health in the Workplace on World Mental Health Day
Supporting mental health in the workplace can take many forms, from offering mental health services to fostering open conversations about mental health. On World Mental Health Day, employers can take proactive steps by organising workshops, offering mental health resources, and ensuring all employees feel supported.
Leaders and managers are critical in creating a culture where mental health is prioritised. Simple actions like check-ins, flexible work policies, and promoting wellbeing at work can make a significant difference in creating a mentally healthy workplace.