World Mental Health Day, October 10, is promoted by the World Health Organization and the World Federation for Mental Health. Events and activities are organized each year during the month of October at the United Nations and other international bodies to highlight the importance of mental health and well-being, and to mobilize efforts to support those affected around the world.
Mental Health promotion is a life-saving and stigma-reducing action that everyone can get involved in. In the workplace, in schools, libraries, hospitals and on the streets, mental health care is critical health care. We look forward to the time when mental health care is a regular part of medical provision everywhere.
This year’s theme is “Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” which highlights the importance of safeguarding the mental health of victims of disaster and war, and that of partners and colleagues who respond in times of crisis. For more information, see the WHO website.
MoodSurfing is also an attempt to raise awareness and promote mental health in our communities and around the world. Reducing stigma, getting people to talk, and listening to the voices of patients is one of our main missions. We salute the WHO and WFMH for this inspiring work, and we call on everyone to help raise awareness, compassion and inclusion for people struggling with mental illness.