World Mental Health Day, the annual day of the year which is celebrated on 10 October, has a different theme each year. It was created in 1992 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to change attitudes towards people with mental illness and to help remove the social stigma surrounding it. The theme for this year is "make mental health & well-being for all a global priority"
Even before the Pandemic, The World Health Organization estimated that sadly one in eight people worldwide live with a mental disorder. Today, we know that nearly one in five people in the U.S live with a mental illness. That's an incredible number of people, and it's more than just a number. It's a symptom of the world we live in.
We all want a world where people will be treated for mental illness as if they were being treated for anything else. We want to put an end to the stigma that we so frequently see in our society today, and talking openly about mental health can be a great way to destigmatize it and ensure that people have access to the resources they need.
It's also important to remember that talking about mental health doesn't make you crazy, and no one should feel ashamed of their own experiences or emotions. We've all got something going on in our heads; stress from school or work, lack of sleep, relationship issues, parenting stressors - the list goes on.
We need to be able to ask for help when we need it; we need to be able to reach out and find someone who can relate to what we're going through. Talking to a friend or family member who has been through something similar could help take some of the weight off - as the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved!
If you don't know anyone who fits the bill, ask around. You'd be surprised how many people have gone through similar experiences as yours—and how glad they'll be to talk about it with someone else who gets it.
If you're struggling with any sort of issues related to your mental well-being and would prefer to speak to someone outside of your circle, there are many online resources available for anyone who needs support and guidance. Here are some suggestions:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
- Crisis Text Line - Crisis Text Line | Text HOME To 741741 free, 24/7 Crisis Counseling
- Disaster Distress Helpline - Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA
- Veterans Crisis Line - Home (veteranscrisisline.net)
- The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project | For Young LGBTQ Lives
This year, we're urging you to make mental health a priority. Together we can make a difference!
*Lifeforce Glass has recently launched an official partnership with 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Read more about our partnership here.*