When is World Mental Health Day?

Throughout our lives, we have been told to be conscious of our physical health and to take care of it by exercising, eating right, and getting proper sleep. But something that is often overlooked because of the stress on physical health, is mental health. Our mental health includes our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It not only affects how we feel, act, and think, but it also helps to determine how we are able to relate to others, make choices, and handle stress. Taking proper care of our mental health is a vital part of our existence from childhood all the way through adulthood. That's why World Mental Health Day was created and why it is still celebrated and observed each year since its creation.

World Mental Health Day helps to put the spotlight on issues that aren't always openly discussed throughout the world by educating the public and raising awareness, and it works to start conversations about the why, how, and what of mental health, while ultimately striving to improve the quality of life. So, how can you celebrate in your own corner of the world? Keep reading to find out how you can work on promoting mental health, raise mental health awareness, and improve your own mental health while doing so.

When is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is on October 10th, and in 2021 it falls on a Sunday. Though there is but one specific date for World Mental Health Day, it is oftentimes celebrated and observed over the course of a few days/weeks. By expanding the observance of this topic, it allows the good word of mental health awareness and the education of the public to reach more people, and to make an impact on those it may not have before.

What is the history of World Mental Health Day?

The first World Mental Health Day was celebrated back in 1992. It got its start as an annual activity of the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) by the former Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter. When it first started, the day had no theme, but instead was an excuse to educate the public on what mental health is, the issues that surround it, and also to promote mental health advocacy. In the first few years, the WFMH board members hosted a two-hour global telecast, leading to live telephone participation from all over the world. This is when board members knew they were on the right track and working toward something that really was bigger than themselves.

Why is mental health so important?

Mental health is so important because it affects everything from our emotional state, to our physical state, and everything in between. When our mental state is suffering, there are so many different repercussions that we encounter and different hardships we take on. Not to mention that mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, affect people's abilities to participate in healthy behaviors. That means that even if they want to have the proper mental health practices, their decline in mental health may already be affecting them more than they realize. By putting mental health at the forefront of our brains, we are able to focus on its benefits, its importance in our lives, and how we can make sure we are maintaining it on a daily basis.

What is the 2021 theme for World Mental Health Day?

As stated above, when World Mental Health Day started in 1992, there wasn't a theme to the observation. But as of 1994, there has been a theme for each World Mental Health Day that has followed. For the year 2021, the World Mental Health Day theme is "Mental Health in an Unequal World." The theme, which was chosen by a global vote, was decided upon because of the increasingly polarizing inequalities within the world. With the wealthy becoming wealthier and the number of people living in poverty still remaining too high, the WFMH members decided this was the time to shine the light on this topic. The theme this year will highlight how access to mental health services remains unequal across communities throughout the globe.

How to Observe World Mental Health Day

There are plenty of different ways to observe World Mental Health Day, so we have created a list of ways you can recognize this important day properly!

• Donate to Mental Health Services: One of the best ways to combat mental health issues is by donating resources and time to local and national organizations. Maybe you can find a local mental health resource where you can volunteer, or at least donate some money. Otherwise, we recommend donating to national services like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), who are dedicated to improving the livelihoods of people who are struggling with mental illnesses.
• Take a mental health day:One of the best ways to focus on your mental health is by making sure you give yourself the time to do so. Too often we are too busy to slow down and take a breath. By taking a mental health day you are giving yourself the space to grow and learn. Request the day off, read about some self-care tips, and start taking care of your mental health.
• Check on your friends:We know that you text or chat with your friends on a daily basis, but when was the last time you actually asked how they were doing? Have a sit-down talk with them, go for a walk, have an extended phone conversation if you are far away, or send them a gift like chocolate-covered strawberriesto let them know you are thinking of them. Even if you feel like you are unable to make a big impact, you might be surprised just how much you can help them to grow.
• Advocate for change in your community:This will look and be different for everyone, so we suggest researching exactly how you can help within your specific communities. Even if it means all you can do is send Peace lily plantsto your local mental health advocates, then know that that is a supportive, healthy move that is working toward the greater good for mental health.

We hope that you find the perfect way to observe World Mental Health Day this year. Know that when you decide to take your mental health seriously and put it into your own hands, FTD will be there for you every step of the way. Remember that our flowers, plants, and gift basketsmake for great thank you gifts, or personal comfort gifts throughout your mental health journey.

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