WORLD Mental Health Day, which is observed annually today, October 10, was an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), and it was first observed in 1992. It was planned by the WFMH to raise global awareness about mental health issues, promote support, and reduce stigma.
Since then, October 10th of every year has become a global day to focus on mental health issues, promote access to mental health care, and encourage global action to improve mental well-being. The day promotes global unity as it brings together individuals, organizations, and governments to advocate for mental health.
Mental health issues stem from a complex interaction of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, including family history, adverse life events such as poverty or discrimination, and exposure to toxins. These factors, undeniably, operate on individual, family, community, and global levels, with early childhood experiences and ongoing societal challenges playing a significant role.
For instance, cases of mental health challenges are increasing due to the involvement of young people in restricted drugs and abusing same uncontrolled. Such cases are abounding in many health facilities, with parents clutching their chests and praying for solutions.
Therefore, the theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, is apt. In his advisory message ahead of this year’s World Mental Health Day celebration, the Head, Department of African Academy for Mental Health of African Foundation for Mental Health Advocacy, Dr. TeslimOladejo harped on the need for multi-sector collaboration to achieve universal access to mental health services.
The Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, underscored the need for the government to integrate mental health into all emergency response frameworks, from disaster relief to health interventions and community rebuilding efforts. It was his view that healthcare workers should be trained in psychological first aid and schools provided with counselors to offer immediate emotional care during crises.
While we totally align with Dr. Oladejo’s position, we are also of the view that concerted efforts should be made by relevant stakeholders to deepen the conversation around mental health issues with a view to accelerating advocacy on how challenges of mental health could be surmounted.
By so doing, religious leaders and traditional institutions, who are often the first points of contact in cases of mental health, must be empowered with knowledge to recognize and refer mental health cases rather than attribute them to spiritual causes.
In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, we hold the view that critical stakeholders need to look beyond awareness by championing global action that will reduce the ever-increasing incidence of mental health issues. It is not just enough to acknowledge mental health needs. Robust efforts must also be made to ensure that help is available, affordable, and culturally acceptable.
Additionally, we think that tackling mental health issues requires a holistic approach, such as self-care, which places a high premium on activities that promote relaxation and joy, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Again, we advocate for social support where people are connected with friends, family, or support groups to build a strong network, as well as professional help where individuals are encouraged to consult mental health professionals, like therapists or counselors, for guidance and treatment whenever the need arises.
More importantly, people should maintain healthy habits by maintaining a balanced diet, regular sleep schedule, and engaging in physical activity in addition to practising mindfulness techniques to manage stress and emotions to strengthen their mental health.
As we commemorate World Mental Health Day today, it is important to note that the mind, like the body, deserves care, especially when catastrophe strikes, and that mental health care is as essential as physical care in any emergency response.
Finally, those struggling with mental health issues should immediately consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for necessary support.
