Real recovery means focusing on good mental health every day. That can be challenging, of course, especially given the stressful times we are in now. On World Mental Health Day, which is Saturday, October 10, we emphasize the need for everyone to be able to access quality care for mental health. We also look at what it really means to enjoy good mental health.
Partnering for Mental Health
World Mental Health Day was first observed in 1992. The World Health Organization (WHO), United for Global Mental Health, and the World Federation for Mental Health partner to promote the day’s message each year. In 2020, the theme for the day is Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access, emphasizing that we need to make mental health a reality for all – for everyone, everywhere.
Mental Health During COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has introduced more stress and more anxiety throughout the world, which further challenges everyone in dealing with mental health issues. During the outbreak, mental health conditions have been on the rise across the globe.
The World Federation for Mental Health reports that about 450 million people live with mental disorders that are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. One person in every four will be affected by a mental disorder at some stage of their lives while mental, neurological, and substance use disorders exact a high toll on health outcomes, accounting for 13% of the total global burden of disease.
Every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide, according to WHO. Annually, this represents over 800,000 people that die by suicide, which is more than people dying by war and homicide put together. For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities, and entire countries and has long-lasting and devastating effects on the people left behind.
Access to Care
Few people across the world have access to quality mental health services, WHO statistics show. Furthermore, stigma, discrimination, punitive legislation, and human rights abuses are still widespread. In addition, the limited access to quality, affordable mental health care in the world before the pandemic, and particularly in humanitarian emergencies and conflict settings, has been further diminished due to COVID-19 as the pandemic has disrupted health services around the world.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, says, “World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for the world to come together and begin redressing the historic neglect of mental health. We are already seeing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s mental well-being, and this is just the beginning. Unless we make serious commitments to scale up investment in mental health right now, the health, social and economic consequences will be far-reaching.”
Dr. Ghebreyesus adds, “As we continue to live through a global pandemic, we need movement on mental health, perhaps more than we have ever needed it before. We need to move for our own mental health, the mental health of our families, friends and colleagues, and more importantly, so that there is a massive increase in investment for mental health services at national and international levels.”
Good Mental Health
When we talk about having good mental health, we are not focused just on the absence of a problem. We want you to enjoy the ability to make the most of your potential, to be able to cope with all that life gives you, and to play a full part in your family, workplace, community, and social circle.
Mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Good mental health, sometimes referred to as “emotional health” or “well-being” is just as important as good physical health.
BRC RECOVERY IS HERE TO HELP
Taking that first step to access quality care is critical for your continued mental health. At BRC Recovery, we offer proven treatment options for a wide variety of mental health concerns, focusing on holistic healing in a warm, supportive, community-driven environment, so you can experience real recovery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer a safe, clean environment so you can continue receiving the highest quality of care. To learn more about our services and to get the help you need, please call BRC Recovery at 1-866-291-2676 to speak to our team.