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Mental Health refers to a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental well-being component included in the WHO's definition of health: "A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease". It is related to the promotion of well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, and the treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by mental disorders. Mental disorders affect nearly 12 percent of the world’s population – about 450 million or one out of every four people around the world – will experience a mental illness that would benefit from diagnosis and treatment. WHO statistics for 2002 showed that 154 million people globally suffered from depression, which is a form of mental illness. According to WHO, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which people realize their own potential, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to their community. Mental health services lack human and financial resources in many countries, particularly low and middle income countries. More funding is needed to promote mental health to increase people’s awareness of the issue.
History - In response to making mental health a global priority, World Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 as an initiative of the WFMH (World Federation for Mental Health). WFMH is an international membership organization founded in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. The federation has members and contacts in more than 150 countries on six continents. Each year the UN, through WHO, actively participates in promoting this event. World Mental Health Day, which is supported by the UN, is annually held on October 10 to raise public awareness about mental health issues worldwide. This event promotes open discussions on illnesses, as well as investments in prevention and treatment services.
Events - World Mental Health Day is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Mental Health Foundation is another organization that is proactive in promoting World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is observed in more than 150 countries on october 10 through local, regional and national organisations.
World Mental Health Day commemorative events and programs include:
Holiday Status - It is not a public holiday.
