World Mental Health Day is an annual global observance that is aimed raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. The global event is marked annually on October 10 with the objective of raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing the social stigma surrounding mental illness, and promoting mental wellbeing worldwide. World Mental Health Day was initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992. The day is now supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and many other global health and advocacy organisations.

Every year, World Mental Health Day is marked with a specific theme that addresses a crucial aspect of mental health. World Mental Health Day 2024 theme is ‘Mental Health at Work’. This World Mental Health Day, WHO is uniting with partners to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work. In this article, let’s know more about World Mental Health Day 2024 date, history and the significance of the global event.

World Mental Health Day 2024 Date

World Mental Health Day 2024 will be observed on Thursday, October 10.

World Mental Health Day 2024 Theme

World Mental Health Day 2024 theme is ‘Mental Health at Work’.

World Mental Health Day History

World Mental Health Day was celebrated for the first time on October 10, 1992, at the initiative of Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter. Until 1994, the day had no specific theme other than general promoting mental health advocacy and educating the public. In 1994, World Mental Health Day was celebrated with a theme for the first time at the suggestion of then Secretary General Eugene Brody. The day is supported by WHO through raising awareness on mental health issues using its strong relationships with the Ministries of health and civil society organisations across the globe. WHO also supports with developing technical and communication material. Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment of Schizophrenia. 

World Mental Health Day Significance

World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for people of the world to work on mental health issues and talk about what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. Mental health still carries stigma in many parts of the world, preventing people from seeking help. World Mental Health Day encourages open discussions about mental health, aiming to normalise the idea that seeking help is essential for well-being.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2024 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).