Today, October 10 2022, is World Mental Health Day, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is viewing the occasion as an opportunity to re-kindle efforts to protect and improve mental health.
WHO is launching a campaign around the theme of ‘Making Mental Health & Wellbeing for All a Global Priority’, citing the impact of the pandemic, growing social and economic pressures, conflict and violence as contributors to the growing crisis around mental health.
Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of COVID-19. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted, and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.
Social and economic factors are also threatening progress towards improved wellbeing, with a staggering 84 million people forcibly displaced during 2021.
“We must deepen the value and commitment we give to mental health as individuals, communities and governments and match that value with more commitment, engagement and investment by all stakeholders, across all sectors,” a WHO statement says. “We must strengthen mental health care so that the full spectrum of mental health needs is met through a community-based network of accessible, affordable and quality services and supports.”
The UK Government has also launched a new Every Mind Matters campaign, urging everyone to “be kind to your mind.” Research commissioned by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has revealed that almost seven in 10 British people regularly experience what it is terming the ‘Sunday Scaries’ – 67%, rising to 74% for those aged 18-24. Work stresses, lack of sleep and looming to-do lists were reported as the top causes of feelings of stress or anxiety on a Sunday.
By answering five simple questions on the Every Mind Matters website, people can get a personalised ‘Mind Plan’ with tips to help them to deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control.
Every Mind Matters is described as an important tool for early intervention to build mental resilience. Preventing people’s mental health from deteriorating is a key part of the government’s recently-published Plan for Patients, supporting everyone to stay well and say within the community.
