Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person realizes his or her abilities, can withstand the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to society. In this positive sense, mental health is the foundation of human well-being and community life.
In 1948, the World Federation for Mental Health was founded, with the primary goal of promoting the prevention of mental and emotional disorders throughout the world. At its initiative in 1992, the first Mental Health Day was held.
The event will be broadcast live on the major social media channels to:
- Learn about what WHO and its partners are doing to promote mental health around the world;
- Hear from national and international leaders on the priority of mental health issues;
- Hear from world-renowned performers and athletes who are publicly advocating for mental health and their advice for those facing these issues;
- Hear popular music from a wide range of well-known and acclaimed artists.
Leading up to World Mental Health Day and the event, we are asking you to support the campaign by spreading relevant messages, sharing how you take care of your mental health on social media, and asking the guests of honor during live social media interviews.
Highlights of the event
“Together for Mental Health Worldwide: A 24-Hour March for Mental Health.
On October 9th, people from around the world will be invited to participate in a virtual march. The 24-hour live broadcast will feature first-hand accounts of mental health issues, mental health leaders and respected representatives of civil society organizations already active in the Speak Your Mind campaign in 19 countries. In addition, global partner organizations with a leading and coordinating role in mental health issues are organizing a series of thematic hours on topics such as mental health and youth, mental health and older adults, and LGBTQ mental health and community. A number of partners have already confirmed their participation in the march, including Human Rights Watch and Alzheimer’s Disease International. The march will raise awareness about mental health issues, break down stigma and accelerate positive change at the policy level. The public will be invited to virtually join the gallery of marchers using special camera effects that will be available before the event.
WHO: A major event in support of mental health
On October 10th, World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization is holding its first global online event dedicated to the issue. The event, the main event in support of mental health, will showcase the work of WHO staff in the fight against mental illness, alcoholism and drug abuse around the world. At the invitation of WHO’s director general, world leaders and mental health experts will talk about why they are addressing mental health issues and what more needs to be done in this area. Audiences will be able to hear the opinions and musical compositions of a number of world-renowned artists actively promoting the relevance of mental health care. Famous athletes, as well as women whose lives have been affected by mental ill health, will speak about their experiences of overcoming psychological and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorder.
The World Mental Health Day campaign, which, in light of the ongoing pandemic, is conducted primarily online, gives each of us the opportunity to do something positive: we can all take concrete steps to promote our own mental well-being and support family and friends in their time of need; employers have an excuse to develop programs for the social and psychological well-being of employees; public authorities have a concrete commitment to the promotion of mental well-being in the workplace.
During the first WHO “Health for All” Film Festival, a special prize will be awarded in the new category “Mental Health Film”.