A conversation on mental health

World Mental Health Day falls on 10th October every year to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide and to mobilise efforts to support mental health. Mental health was once considered taboo, with people feeling uncomfortable talking about it. However, this lack of understanding and communication can lead to severe consequences for those suffering from mental health and those around them, which is why World Mental Health Day is such a momentous occasion. However, people struggle with their mental health throughout the year – meaning it is important we raise awareness of the subject all year round.

World Mental Health Day was observed for the first time on 10th October 1992 to motivate action for positive change. The day is now marked annually all over the world, with this year's theme being "Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority" to push mental health up the agenda.

Mental health used to be something of an abstract term, difficult for people to define, making it challenging to discuss. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and many factors can contribute to mental health problems. These include family history, brain chemistry, life occurrences, and stress. It is also far more widespread than you may think. In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people worldwide, were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders among the most common. Things have only worsened since then.

The impact of Covid-19 on mental health

The Covid-19 pandemic, one of the biggest global crises in generations, has had severe and far-reaching repercussions for health systems, economies and societies. This public health crisis has taken a tremendous toll on the mental health of people around the world. Many individuals have reported psychological distress and depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress symptoms. And there have been worrying signs of more widespread suicidal thoughts and behaviours among healthcare workers. That means that, right now, millions of people are suffering from mental health problems all over the globe.

Reassuringly, mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost. However, there is a large gap in access to care, especially for those in marginalised groups. This means that many people who could be helped by treatment are not getting the care they need. Therefore we need to talk about mental health more. By destigmatising mental health issues and encouraging those struggling to seek help, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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Tackling the stigma around mental health

One of the biggest barriers to seeking help for mental health problems is the stigma surrounding them. Too often, people associate poor mental health with weakness or unreliability. This could not be further from the truth. Mental health is no different from physical health and should be treated with the same care and compassion.

Significant progress has been made with various campaigns raising awareness and celebrities and public figures speaking openly about their own struggles with mental health. Unfortunately, the stigma around mental health remains, meaning that many people suffering from mental health do not seek help because they are afraid of being labelled or discriminated against.

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The facts on stigma, prejudice and discrimination surrounding mental health

Stigma often comes from a lack of understanding or fear. Inaccurate or misleading media representations of mental health contribute to both factors. A review of studies on stigma shows that while the public may accept the medical nature of mental health and the need for treatment, many people still have a negative view of those with mental health.

The stigma around mental health is especially an issue in some diverse racial and ethnic communities. For example, in some Asian cultures, seeking professional help for mental health may be counter to cultural values of a strong family, emotional restraint and avoiding shame. Among some groups, including the African American communities, distrust of the mental healthcare system can also be a barrier to seeking help. The stigma of mental health is universal. A 2016 study on stigma concluded, "there is no country, society or culture where people with mental illness have the same societal value as people without mental illness."

This needs to change! We need to create a society where it is more acceptable to talk about mental health without judgement or fear of reprisal. Only then will we be able to help those who need it most.

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The future of mental health

World Mental Health Day is an important annual occasion, but we should strive to raise awareness of mental health every single day. As the pandemic showed, all humans - regardless of social class or background - are vulnerable to mental health issues. Let us, as conscious leaders, provide opportunities to raise awareness for the many issues that stem from mental health complications.

Shining a light on this has the chance to help so many that are in vulnerable situations. Let us start today!

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