World Mental Health Day

Tags: Important Days

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10.

Important facts

• The day is celebrated across the world to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

• According to the World Health Organisation, this day provides an opportunity for all people working on mental health issues to speak about their work.

• The day highlights the importance of how efforts towards mental health are important and what needs to be done next.

• The theme for 2022 - ‘Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority’.

Background of the day

• World Mental Health Day was first observed on 10 October 1992.

• It was an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global organization with over 150 member countries.

• This day was initiated by Richard Hunter, Deputy Secretary General of  World Federation for Mental Health.

• World Mental Health Day was celebrated for the first time in 1994 with a specific theme 'Improving the quality of mental health services around the world'.

Mental health status in India

• WHO estimates that around 7.5 percent of Indians suffer from some mental disorder.

• 56 million Indians suffer from depression and 38 million Indians suffer from anxiety-related disorders.

• According to WHO, there is a huge shortage of psychiatrists in India.

• India accounts for 36.6 percent of suicides globally.

Initiatives of Government of India

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982

•  Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

• Manodarpan Initiative provides psycho-social support to students for their mental health and well-being.