October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and advocating against social stigma. It’s a wonderful reminder to give our mental wellbeing the attention it deserves. Yet, while the day itself is crucial for sparking conversations, the real magic happens when we integrate its message into our everyday lives.
Mental health is an everyday affair. Our emotional and psychological well-being is just as important as our physical health, yet it often takes a backseat. Most of us wouldn’t wait for our car’s engine to break down completely before giving it attention. So why do we so often do the same with our mental health?
If we want to keep our minds in top gear, we need to give mental health the same priority as physical health. Fortunately, small, daily actions can make a big impact.
What Exactly is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992, spearheaded by the World Federation for Mental Health. Since then, the day has provided a platform for discussing the mental health challenges faced by people worldwide. This year’s theme, like many before it, focuses on raising awareness and promoting mental health for all.
Despite progress, there remains a significant gap between awareness and action. Many people continue to feel ashamed or afraid to talk about their struggles. That stigma is part of why World Mental Health Day is so vital. The more we normalise these discussions, the more people can feel supported in seeking help.
And let’s be real: we could all do with a mental tune-up now and then. Stress, anxiety, and depression aren’t picky about who they affect. Everyone, from teenagers to CEOs, experiences moments where mental health needs attention.
Mental Health Stigma – The Silent Saboteur
Mental health stigma is like an outdated software system – it’s clunky, harmful, and desperately needs upgrading. Too many people still associate mental illness with personal weakness. They feel shame in admitting they’re struggling, sometimes even to themselves.
Imagine going to a doctor for a broken leg and being told to “just toughen up.” Sounds ridiculous, right? Yet, that’s the kind of response many people face when seeking help for mental health concerns.
Removing this stigma requires ongoing effort. It’s more than just making mental health topics trending for a day. It’s about creating environments—whether at work, home, or school—where mental health conversations are welcomed and supported.
What can you do? It starts with listening without judgment, offering support when needed, and encouraging people to seek professional help when necessary. Simply put: normalise mental health conversations.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish – It’s Essential
We often talk about the importance of self-care, but do we really practise it? Many of us nod in agreement, only to shelve self-care routines when life gets busy. But here’s the thing – mental health doesn’t wait for convenience.
Self-care is the preventative maintenance your brain needs to stay healthy. If you don’t give yourself time to recharge, burnout is almost inevitable. Think of self-care as an investment in your future productivity and well-being.
The best part? Self-care isn’t about lavish spa treatments or expensive retreats. It’s about the small, sustainable actions that you can weave into your daily routine. Regular mindfulness practices, taking breaks, exercising, or even something as simple as a five-minute breathing exercise can do wonders for your mental state.
Self-care looks different for everyone, but its effects are universal. You can’t pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes. Whether it’s reading, gardening, or just disconnecting from technology for an hour, do what recharges you.
Why Mental Health Should be Prioritised at Work
One place where mental health awareness often lags behind is in the workplace. And considering how much time we spend working, this is worrying. Workplace stress is rampant, contributing to everything from increased absenteeism to reduced productivity.
We’ve all heard stories of companies offering free yoga classes or trendy meditation apps as a solution to work-induced stress. While those perks are a step in the right direction, they’re hardly a cure-all. True workplace mental health support requires a cultural shift. It’s about recognising that employees are humans with emotions, not just productivity machines.
This shift involves providing adequate mental health resources, from Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to training managers in mental health first aid. Flexibility, understanding, and reducing excessive workloads can also go a long way in supporting employees’ mental wellbeing.
So, on World Mental Health Day, why not ask your employer about the mental health resources available? Even better, start a conversation with your team about how you can all support each other in maintaining balance. You’d be surprised at how much goodwill, productivity, and engagement comes from a mentally healthy workplace.
Spotting the Warning Signs Early
Many mental health problems can be managed if caught early. The key is learning to recognise the signs. Are you feeling more irritable than usual? Struggling to concentrate? Sleeping too much, or too little? These can all be red flags that your mental health needs attention.
A common misconception is that mental health issues always look severe—like panic attacks or breakdowns. But more often, they show up subtly at first. That’s why it’s important to check in with yourself regularly. Just like you would monitor a physical symptom, do the same for your mental state.
It’s okay to admit when things aren’t okay. In fact, that’s the first step in taking control of your mental health. If you notice something feels off, don’t brush it aside. Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or a professional who can guide you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts – Let’s Make Every Day Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day isn’t just a 24-hour window to care about our emotional wellbeing. It’s a call to action for year-round awareness and practice. Our mental health is always with us, evolving and shifting as we face the ups and downs of life. By incorporating small but consistent habits, seeking help when needed, and promoting an open dialogue, we can not only improve our mental health but also create a more compassionate world for everyone.
Mental health is everyone’s business, and it’s time we started treating it that way. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, advocating for better mental health policies, or simply practising more self-care, we all have a role to play. So, don’t wait until next year’s World Mental Health Day to act—start today.
