World Mental Health Day was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (active since 1948) on the initiative of the organisation's Secretary General Richard Hunter. Initially, World Mental Health Day did not have a specific focus. The general objectives were the dissemination of mental health policies and public education on the prevention of emotional and mental disorders. Each year, the Federation chooses a new theme to promote.
The timing of the pandemic has taken and continues to take its toll on our mental health. Many aspects of mental health have been called into question; and even before the 2019 pandemic, it is estimated that one in eight people worldwide were already living with a mental disorder. At the same time, the availability of services and the funding available for mental health remains inadequate and falls far short of what is needed, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global mental health crisis, generating short and long-term stresses which affected the mental health of millions of people. The increase in both anxiety and depressive disorders is estimated to be over 25% in the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the gap in mental health treatment has widened.
Growing social and economic inequalities, protracted conflict, violence and public health threats affect entire populations, threatening progress towards improved wellbeing. The attention and commitment to mental health needs to be increased and mental health care needs to be strengthened so that all mental health needs are met through universally available, affordable and high quality specialist services and support.
Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to appropriate care. Importantly, we can all play our part in raising awareness about mental health, and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do so together. Imagine a world where mental health is valued, promoted and protected, where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and exercise their human rights, and where everyone can access the mental health care they need.
WHO will work with partners to launch a campaign around the theme of "Making mental health and well-being for all a global priority".. This will be an opportunity for people with mental disorders, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together and speak out about what we need to do to make mental health and wellbeing a global priority for all.
Source: gov.pl