Yesterday, October 10, 2019, was World Mental Health Day. According to World Health Organization's website, this is a day that has "the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing mental health issues in support of mental health" (Work Health Organization, 2019).
Take a moment and ask yourself, what does this day mean to you? Did you even realize this was a recognized day? Do you see people post about it on social media and kind of roll your eyes? Are you one of those people that post on social media about it, or are you just a bit more aware of your mental health within the walls of your own home? Although you might view this as an unnecessary, self-proclaimed holiday, I can pretty much guarantee that there is some benefit in World Mental Health Day for everybody.
Each of us, whether we acknowledge it or not, have mental health, just as we have physical health. The presence of our minds, emotions, thoughts, and the inseparable bond that these things have to our physical health, makes every human being have mental health that they deal with in one way or another. Just as our physical health can sometimes get off track, our mental health can too, no matter who we are or where we come from.
World Mental Health day is a day in which each of us can take a few moments to ask ourselves how our mental health is doing. If you do the smallest thing possible on this day, at least ask yourself this question and get a grasp on your mental fitness and stance. Although everyone can relate with mental health at their own pace, it is a bit saddening when individuals dismiss mental health in general. Due to the fact that each of us have mental health, not a single person is above it or above the struggles that can accompany it, no matter how big or small.
Another important aspect of World Mental Health Day is raising awareness and compassion for those who suffer with mental health disorders, such as anxiety. This year's focus was suicide prevention and the World Health Organization's website provides several videos and information for ways to aid those suffering with suicidal thoughts. The general idea of presenting a helping hand and supportive attitude for those who have mental health disorders is crucial. This allows sufferers to know they are not alone, allows the general public to realize how many people suffer, and produces a greater outreach of information that allows the workplace, schools, and all situations to be more welcoming for sufferers of mental health disorders.
As an anxiety sufferer myself, I see World Mental Health Day as an exciting day in which people are reminded to be kind to one another and to open their minds to what many others go through. I often find myself using this day to allow myself to be vulnerable and speak openly to others about my anxiety, either in person or on social media. I believe that vulnerability shows strength, and conversation manifests healing. I understand that as an educated woman that has surpassed many challenges that accompany mental health, I stand as a role model for many, especially younger girls that may be suffering. Fostering a conversation with fellow sufferers, as well as the general public, promotes a sense of unity concerning the mindset surrounding mental health.
Although World Mental Health Day is over, I encourage you to carry with you daily some of the actions that accompany this holiday. Ask yourself each day what the state of your mental health is. Ask others how they are doing, and have an open mind to the world of mental health. Mental health stands as a backbone to the success and unity of society as a whole. If we begin to focus on mental health a little more each day, we could potentially manifest healing and understanding for many generations to come.
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