This year’s theme, chosen by the World Federation for Mental Health, is focusing on suicide prevention.
World Mental Health Day was set up by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFHM) and takes place on October 10th each year. This year, the WFHM has made suicide prevention their main theme of focus.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 800,000 people die every year by suicide which makes it the prime cause of death for 15-29 year olds.
Dr. Alberto Trimboli, the president of WFHM states in his letter regarding World Mental Health Day 2019, and frequently reiterates, the importance of doing everything we can to prevent suicides from happening and demolishing the stigma around mental disorders in both adults and children. “It is often believed that it is only adults who exhibit suicidal behaviors, but it should be made known that many children and young people engage in this kind of behavior as a result of violence, sexual abuse, bullying and cyberbullying.”
A recent documentary made by Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson called ‘Odd One Out‘ touched the hearts of many while outlining the types of modern-day, online abuse that she had suffered from since winning the X-Factor back in 2011. During the heart-wrenching documentary, Jesy recounts the horrific comments and remarks that were personally sent to her, each one absuing her appearance. Harrowing to watch, she emotionally recalls her own suicide attempt. Odd One Out has received more than 3.3 million views since it aired on BBC Three and has been talked about on social media platforms with people urging ‘everyone to watch this’.
World Mental Health Day is here to raise awareness for the global community about the affects of mental disorders and to offer help to those who need it. It’s encouraging sufferers to speak up and prompting everyone else to support them. It’s entitling everyone to their feelings and putting a stop to the stigma around mental illnesses.
What can we do?
Something so simple as asking someone if they’re OK can really make a difference. Whether they’re a friend or family member, colleague or stranger, letting them know that someone cares about them could change their entire day and perspective. Be that trusting person to someone in need.
The views expressed in this article intend to highlight studies and encourage conversation. They are for informational purposes only. Although this article features advice from professionals, we are not medically trained to offer any further advice, and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied on for specific medical advice. If you are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety and/or depression, please reach out to a medical practitioner for help. If you need extra help, Mind Charity, The Mental Health Foundation and Samaritans all offer immediate help at any time.
