World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10th October to spread awareness about mental disorders and diseases. World Federation for Mental Health founded the awareness day in 1992 and since then people all over the world are holding events, making announcements, spreading awareness, and celebrating #WorldMentalHealthDay. As of now, more than 150 countries are members of the World Federation of Mental Health.

Mental Health Stigma

Mental health is still taboo around the world, especially in India. If a person is physically unwell, he is advised to visit a doctor and figure out the cause of the illness. While in the case of a mental disorder, it is difficult for people to understand the situation of the ones suffering, and thus easy to neglect the patient as a mischief creator or someone who seeks attention. It is important to recognize mental illness as a logical cause. Days like World Mental Health Day in the calendar help to create widespread awareness and acceptance of mental disorders in general. The greater spread of knowledge and awareness regarding deficiencies in the body or situation that lead to mental disorders can help save many lives and help the ones with chronic diseases to step out of their hole and seek asylum.

The stigma around mental health is a huge problem that needs to be tackled in its entirety. However, it is essential to understand that just like a common cold, mental illness can affect anyone. Mental health diseases include many types of disorders that require medical attention. Mental patients deserve the right diagnosis and care. Any person with a mental disorder, who like in the case of any other illness is not be left alone. The patient requires constant support and help from those who care for him.

This year's World Mental Health Day's theme is "Mental Health in the Workplace". In today's fast-paced lives, a substantial proportion of our time is spent at work. And, our experience and time spent in the workplace play an important role in determining our overall well-being. Promoting mental health and providing support to those who are distressed go a long way and may help in better productivity of employees, a joyous atmosphere in general, and improved overall health. A negative working environment, on the other hand, may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism, and lost productivity. The organization needs to realize the importance of how to calm the distressed ones and understanding their situation. Moreover, aid and assist them in seeking further medical assistance for what is bothering them.

With the spreading of awareness regarding deficiencies in the body or situations that lead to mental disorders, people around the world will eventually come to accept mental illness as any other illness that can affect anyone. This will help save many lives. It will also help the ones suffering to step out of their hole and seek asylum. They will be assured that aren't alone, thus making it easy for them to ask for help.

On World Mental Health Day, also read about: Understanding Mental Illness here.

World Mental Health Day: Breaking The Mental Health Taboo

Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. And, more than 250 million are living with anxiety disorders. A WHO-led study recently estimated that "depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity".

Mental illnesses such as depression i.e. one of the most widespread are on the rise globally. A large number of people are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorders and Personality Disorders, every day. Many continue to live their lives, struggling on a regular basis, fighting their thoughts and emotions, and trying to make a place in the world. They either fail to understand or refuse to face the truth that they are actually victims of mental illness because of how society has classified mental ailments as taboo. They need external support to be able to understand and align their thought process. Thus, it is the need of the hour to understand the situation of those who suffer silently in pain.

It is important to help them leave their problems behind and start new lives starting this 10th October on World Mental Health Day 2019. It will only improve the efficiency of the masses and bring about the output of nations leading to overall growth and prosperity.