This month’s article will focus on a topic not exclusive to Project Management and the Life Sciences, but even more important, mental health. October 10th is World Mental Health Day. For all those focused on mental health issues, this day is internationally recognized as a day for mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. Each year thousands of supporters celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to both mental illness and its major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide. In some countries, such as Australia, this day is part of a Mental Health Awareness week. And, in some Companies, the month of October is devoted to Mental Health Awareness.
World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) with representatives and contacts in more than 150 nations, a global association for mental health. Activities on this day include:
- Officials signing the World Mental Health Day proclamation.
- Public service announcements.
- Educational lectures and the distribution of research papers on mental health issues.
- Awards to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to improving mental health concerns.
In the beginning, the day had no clear theme. However, this changed in 1994 with the first theme of focus being ‘Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World’. The theme of World Mental Health Day 2022 is “Make mental health for all a global priority”. The themes for World Mental Health Day have expanded along with the times. As a result, women, children, health, work, trauma, suicide and so much more have become a part of the conversation, and today, we are all much more knowledgeable regarding these topics and mental health.
If you are interested in learning more about World Mental Health Day or would like to participate, below are some resources:
World Mental Health Day
Events Across the Globe
26 Activities to Celebrate World Mental Health Day 2022
