Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, an international day for raising awareness and mobilizing efforts to support mental health around the world. The theme for this year is “Mental health is a universal human right”, which emphasizes the need to protect the rights of people with mental health conditions and to ensure they have access to quality care and community inclusion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can affect their physical health, well-being, relationships, and livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people. However, many people with mental health conditions face discrimination, stigma, and human rights violations that prevent them from enjoying their basic rights and accessing the care they need.
WHO and its partners are calling for urgent action to make mental health care for all a reality, by investing in mental health services, respecting the dignity and autonomy of people with mental health conditions, and promoting mental health literacy and awareness in all sectors of society2.
World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind this cause and to learn more about their basic right to mental health as well as how to protect the rights of others. Various events and activities are taking place around the world to mark this day, such as webinars, workshops, campaigns, and online resources.
Mental health is a vital part of our overall health and well-being. It is time to make it a global priority and a universal human right for all.