What is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is an initiative introduced by the World Federation for Mental Health and first observed on 10 October 1992. It’s now observed around the world every year on 10 October.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes World Mental Health Day as providing “an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”
When it was introduced, World Mental Health Day was broadly aimed at promoting mental health and educating the public on mental health issues. But since 1994, the Day has focused on a specific theme each year.
World Mental Health Day 2018 theme
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Young people and Mental Health in a Changing World’.
Through this theme, the World Federation for Mental Health aims to raise awareness about the issues youth and young adults within our communities face in today’s world, and to start a conversation around what they need to grow up to be healthy, happy and resilient adults. You can follow the conversation online on social media using the hashtag #worldmentalhealthday.
Some of the World Mental Health Day themes in recent years include:
- 2012 Depression: A Global Crisis
- 2013 Mental Health and Older Adults
- 2014 Living with Schizophrenia
- 2015 Dignity in Mental Health
- 2016 Psychological and Mental Health First Aid
- 2017 Mental Health in the Workplace
How you can get involved
World Mental Health Day is observed around the world, with special events, announcements and discussions organised at local and national level aimed at raising public awareness and promoting mental health.
As well as through the online #worldmentalhealthday conversation, you can also get involved by donating to or volunteering at your local mental health advocacy organisation, or by participating in any of the World Mental Health Day events being held in your local area.
As part of Mental Health Month, Trainsmart Australia is introducing the first three, of a brand new series of Micro Credentials – short course presentations which focus on mental wellbeing and health of our community. Book Your Tickets Today.
