World Mental Health Day, observed on the 10th of October each year, represents a worldwide effort to bring organizations and individuals together to commemorate the essential nature of mental well-being. This global initiative emphasizes the recognition of mental health as a universal human right and calls for concerted efforts to safeguard this right. The overarching goal is to work towards a world where mental health is not just acknowledged but also actively promoted and protected for all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds or geographical locations.
Mental health, a fundamental human right, belongs inherently to every individual, regardless of their circumstances. This right encompasses safeguarding individuals from mental health risks, ensuring access to available, accessible, acceptable, and high-quality mental health care, and supporting their pursuit of liberty, independence, and inclusion within their communities.
The significance of good mental health cannot be overstated, as it profoundly influences overall well-being, impacting physical health, social connections, and livelihoods. Alarming statistics reveal that one in eight individuals worldwide grapples with mental health conditions, with an increasing prevalence among adolescents and young adults.
A crucial aspect of recognizing mental health as a universal human right entails ensuring that individuals with mental health conditions are not deprived of their rights or excluded from decisions concerning their well-being. Regrettably, human rights violations against individuals with mental health conditions persist globally, including instances of discrimination and exclusion from community life.
A substantial challenge lies in the limited access to essential mental health care services. Many individuals face barriers when trying to obtain the care they require, and, in some unfortunate cases, the care they do receive may infringe upon their human rights.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues its collaboration with partners to promote and protect mental health as a fundamental human right. WHO is steadfast in its commitment to take prompt actions to ensure that everyone can exercise their human rights and access top-quality mental health care.
We strongly encourage you to engage in the World Mental Health Day 2023 campaign to further educate yourself about your basic right to mental health and to learn how to advocate for and safeguard the rights of others.
World Mental Health Day 2023 serves as a platform for individuals and communities to unite under the theme “Mental health is a universal human right.” This theme acts as a catalyst for individuals and communities to address mental health challenges. Its primary objectives encompass elevating public awareness of mental health issues and facilitating support for those grappling with them. The theme fosters a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and the associated rights.
World Mental Health Day 2023 aspires to elevate global awareness regarding the critical nature of mental health as a universal human right. This initiative aims to inspire individuals and communities to take proactive measures in supporting and safeguarding the mental health of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
The establishment of World Mental Health Day dates back to 1992 and was initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), with Richard Hunter, the deputy secretary-general at the time, leading the effort.
The inaugural World Mental Health Day, held in 1994, centered around the theme “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Throughout the World.” This inaugural campaign generated feedback reports from 27 countries and played a pivotal role in the launch of national mental health campaigns in countries like Australia and England.
Additional Information:
- President of the World Federation for Mental Health: Dr. Nasser Loza
- World Federation for Mental Health Founded: 1948