Summary
World Mental Health Day 2024 is a significant event that aims to raise awareness and promote mental wellbeing. This year’s theme, Mental Health at Work, highlights the importance of supporting mental health in the workplace. Key points include the milestone of 4 million Mental Health First Aiders trained, the impact of mental health challenges on productivity, and the need for holistic health approaches. The article also provides resources for mental health support, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and SAMHSA’s National Helpline, and encourages individuals to test their mental health knowledge through quizzes and polls. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of advocacy and community engagement in improving mental health.
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Introduction of World Mental Health Day 2024
World Mental Health Day is more than just a day; it’s a milestone that raises awareness about the importance of mental health and substance use challenges. This year, we celebrate an important achievement: over 4 million people have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders. This Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) initiative has been instrumental in promoting and protecting mental wellbeing around the world.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, which falls on 10 October, is Mental Health at Work. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are highlighting the connection between mental health and work. Diana Han, Unilever‘s Chief Health and Well-Being Officer, emphasizes the mission to add healthy years to the lives of the company’s 128,000 employees across 190 countries. The Forum’s Healthy Workforces initiative aims to raise awareness and suggest concrete interventions for improving mental health in the workplace.
Arushi Sethi Shah‘s article delves into managing mental health in competitive workplaces, emphasizing the need for organizations to foster individual growth, normalize mental health discussions, and create review systems focused on personal improvement. The importance of empathy, self-help, and an attitude of gratitude is highlighted. The spirit of competition and winning is ingrained in most people from the very beginning, starting from resources in the womb, through school, college, and eventually work. This subconscious part of our daily lives becomes more complex as we enter the work phase of our lives.
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How to Support Mental Health at Work
World Mental Health Day 2024 is a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health in our daily lives, especially at work. According to the WHO, 60% of working-age adults are employed, and 15% of them live with a mental disorder. This has a significant impact on the workplace, with an estimated 12 billion working days lost every year due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity.
Workplaces can play a vital role in protecting mental health by providing financial stability, fostering an inclusive community, building confidence, and creating a sense of achievement. However, work can also be a source of risks to mental health, including job insecurity, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and excessive hours. In the UK and the US, nearly half of employees (47%) and two-thirds of CEOs (66%) report that most of their stress comes from work. This stress affects workers’ personal lives, with more than three-quarters saying it has negatively impacted their physical health and 71% reporting that work stress caused a personal relationship to end.
At the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings in New York in September 2024, leaders, including Unilever‘s Han, discussed ways to prioritize mental health at work. The session, titled Mind Matters: Addressing Mental Well-Being, highlighted several key takeaways. One important practice is to Check In With Yourself. Take a moment to assess your mental and emotional wellbeing. If you need a break, consider taking a mental health day. Set aside time for yourself to recharge and reset. Learn to identify when you need a break and how to make the most out of a day to yourself.
Practice self-care as an act of kindness. Self-care isn’t just a routine; it’s a fundamental practice for a healthier you. Integrate self-care into your daily life to positively impact your overall mental health. Recognize burnout to maintain your mental health. Look for signs such as increased irritability, exhaustion, and detachment from work or personal life. According to the American Institute of Stress, nearly 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress, which causes approximately 1 million employees to miss work every day and can lead to drops in productivity. Left unchecked, it can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Practice self-care as an important tool to help manage symptoms of burnout and regain physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional balance. Here are four tips for managing symptoms of burnout.
We Need to Think About Health Holistically
World Mental Health Day 2024 reminds us that health is more than just physical health; it’s about whole-person health. Sharon E. Smith, Corporate Medical Director at Estée Lauder Companies, emphasizes the importance of considering emotional well-being, spiritual well-being, and social well-being. Being socially connected and curious about learning new skills through classes can greatly impact our overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures that we are not just productive at work but also within our households.
Financial well-being is another crucial aspect that affects our overall health. Having our house in order, both literally and figuratively, is essential for our ability to be productive. These elements are interconnected and influence not just our own productivity but also the productivity of our household. Bringing our full selves to work, as Perez points out, has a huge impact on our ability to be productive. This holistic view of health is vital for creating a supportive and inclusive workplace mental health environment.
Smith highlights that providing support for managers and employees is crucial for any organization. With people working in various ways and places, from manufacturing to offices, it’s important to be aware of the nuances and provide culturally sensitive support. A company that thrives on mutual respect and understanding must also consider smaller populations, such as 80% women, men, LGBTQ populations, and people of colour. Offering apps and educational seminars can help people learn and experience things in different ways. Communication and openness are tantamount to getting the help people need.
Save These Mental Health Resources
World Mental Health Day 2024 is a reminder of the importance of mental health resources that offer support and guidance. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7 nationwide. You can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is another free, confidential, 24/7 information service. It provides referrals to treatment and support for people facing mental health and substance use challenges. You can call 800-662-4357 (HELP) for assistance.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers confidential support services for survivors at any stage of recovery. You can call 800-656-4673 (HOPE) or chat online at online.rainn.org. Save this graphic on your device for a quick reference guide and share it on your social media channels. Mental health is key to living a fulfilling and productive life. These mental health resources offer a place to go for support in nearly every aspect of life. Mental health consists of maintaining emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which influences our ability to make healthy decisions and maintain relationships. Mental health disorders and conditions can impact populations such as women, veterans, or minorities differently, so population-specific resources and programs can help provide the targeted assistance you need. This guide is aimed at helping you receive the help that you may need. If you find the resources helpful, bookmark this page in case you need it in the future.
Test Your Mental Health Knowledge
World Mental Health Day 2024 is not just about raising awareness; it’s also about engaging in conversations and learning more about mental health. The National Council and MHFA offer various quizzes and polls on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Threads, X, and Instagram. By participating in these activities, you can share your insights, compare your knowledge with others, and engage with a community dedicated to improving mental health.
Take the opportunity to test your knowledge on a range of mental health conditions and interventions. Medicines are a primary treatment tool for many mental health conditions, and it’s vital that pharmacists have a good understanding of these conditions to help their patients. Expanding the questions in the boxes below will provide links to relevant PJ articles with more information on the topic. Once you have answered all the questions, select ‘Finish quiz’ at the bottom of the page to check your score. For practice-based questions that could be influenced by various factors, please select the response that you judge to be the single best answer.
Become a Mental Wellbeing Advocate
World Mental Health Day 2024 is a call to action for all of us to become advocates for mental health in our communities. Being an advocate is about learning, sharing your story, engaging on issues, and making your voice and the voices of those you love heard. The National Council advocates for mental wellbeing and operates the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, which represents over 3,400 community-based providers nationwide.
To continue being an advocate, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in mental health. Subscribe to content from the National Council to keep updated on key federal and state legislative updates, new research findings, and upcoming advocacy events. By staying informed, you can add your voice to the conversation and help raise awareness about mental health and substance use issues. Raising awareness starts with being informed and engaged.
Show your support for mental wellbeing by proudly displaying your Mental Health First Aider status. MHFA merchandise starts conversations and showcases your dedication to the cause. By proudly displaying your pride this World Mental Health Day, you can advocate for mental health destigmatization and spark essential conversations about mental wellbeing. For a limited time, we’re extending an offer of 10% off MHFA merchandise! Use our limited-time discount code OCTOBER10 at checkout. This offer is valid from Oct. 1-10, 2024. Visit our storefront to browse options.
Celebrate World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is a time to take action and focus on improving mental wellbeing for ourselves and our communities. Let’s start by celebrating today and considering some simple yet impactful ways to enhance our mental health. Downloading the MHFA wellbeing checklist can serve as a quick guide to better mental health.
Doing a random act of kindness has proven emotional benefits and can help strengthen social ties and one’s sense of community. Making a coffee or tea date with a friend or loved one is a great way to connect and enjoy quality time together. Taking a moment to practice gratitude can improve mental health and boost relationships with others. If you enjoyed learning about mental wellbeing this October and want to get more involved, be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter and the MHFA Digest to get the latest MHFA blogs, news, and updates delivered directly to your inbox. Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference on this World Mental Health Day — and every day!
Conclusion
World Mental Health Day 2024 serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health in our daily lives and workplaces. By raising awareness, providing resources, and encouraging holistic health practices, we can support individuals and communities in their mental wellbeing journey. Engaging in simple acts of kindness, practicing self-care, and advocating for mental health are essential steps towards a healthier and more productive world.
FAQs for World Mental Health Day 2024
1. What is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is an annual event held on 10 October to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental wellbeing. It is a day to celebrate and take action towards improving mental health for ourselves and our communities.
2. What is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2024?
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is Mental Health at Work. This theme highlights the connection between mental health and the workplace, emphasizing the importance of supporting mental wellbeing in professional environments.
3. How many people have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders?
Over 4 million people have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders through the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program. This milestone raises awareness and supports people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
4. What are some simple ways to celebrate World Mental Health Day?
Some simple ways to celebrate World Mental Health Day include downloading the MHFA wellbeing checklist for a quick guide to better mental health, doing a random act of kindness, making a coffee or tea date with a friend or loved one, and practicing gratitude to improve mental health and boost relationships.
5. How can I support mental health at work?
You can support mental health at work by providing financial stability, fostering an inclusive community, building confidence, and creating a sense of achievement. Additionally, be aware of the risks to mental health such as job insecurity, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and excessive hours.
6. What resources are available for mental health support?
Several resources are available for mental health support, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, SAMHSA’s National Helpline, and the National Sexual Assault Hotline. These resources offer free, confidential support and referrals to treatment services.
7. How can I test my mental health knowledge?
You can test your mental health knowledge by participating in quizzes and polls on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Threads, X, and Instagram. These activities help raise awareness and engage with a community dedicated to improving mental health.
8. How can I become a mental wellbeing advocate?
To become a mental wellbeing advocate, you can learn about mental health issues, share your story, engage on issues, and make your voice heard. Stay informed by subscribing to the National Council and MHFA newsletters, and show your support by wearing a badge of honor and displaying your Mental Health First Aider status.
9. Why is it important to think about health holistically?
Thinking about health holistically involves considering physical health, emotional well-being, spiritual well-being, and social well-being. This approach ensures that we are not just productive at work but also within our households and communities.
10. How can I celebrate World Mental Health Day?
You can celebrate World Mental Health Day by taking action to improve mental wellbeing for yourself and your community. Consider downloading the MHFA wellbeing checklist, doing a random act of kindness, making a coffee or tea date with a friend, and practicing gratitude. If you enjoyed learning about mental wellbeing, subscribe to the MHFA Digest for the latest blogs, news, and updates.
