World Mental Health Day 2022: When is it and what is the theme?

Mental health is a concern at the best of times – and these are not the best of times.

From climate anxiety to cost-of-living stress through to personal matters, the brain strain is real and needs addressing.

World Mental Health Day 2022 is here to set the record straight for the one in eight people worldwide living with a mental-health issue, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

With this year’s focus on prioritising mental wellbeing, here’s what you should know about the WHO-recognised event.

When is World Mental Health Day 2022?

World Mental Health Day is today, on October 10. It has been held on the same date since 1992.

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) website said: “For over 70 years, we’ve been working to make sure that mental health is treated on a par with physical health.

“We need to do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health – as individuals and as a society.

“We will continue to call on national and local government to prioritise reducing the factors known to pose a risk to people’s mental health, enhancing those known to protect it and creating the conditions needed for people to thrive.”

What is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2022?

Each year, a theme is decided on to encourage a positive direction and raise awareness for mental-health issues.

The theme this year is to “make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority”.

As per the MHF logo, a green ribbon is the international symbol for mental-health awareness.

Pins are available to buy and a hashtag #PinItForMentalHealth can be used to join the online conversation.

Posters, graphics, and resources are also available online for those wishing to hold their own fundraising events and take part in the day.

People are encouraged to regularly check in on friends and family, especially if they are showing signs of mental struggles.

As the day is focused on prevention as much as cure, this day is an opportunity for renewing personal commitments to your own mental health, too.

A spokesperson for WHO said: “We can all play our part in increasing awareness about which preventive mental-health interventions work and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do that collectively.

“We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted, and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental-health care they need.”

Source: Syraat Al Mustaqeem, Yahoo Life UK