October 10: World Mental Health Day

Every year, the World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10. The day was first initiated by World Federation for Mental Health. The day is marked by several International organisations spread all over the world. In some countries like Australia, the day is a part of Mental Health Week.

Highlights

According to WHO, mental health is defined as a state of well being in which an individual realises his or her own potential. A mentally healthy person can handle stresses of everyday life working productively and fruitfully. It is the emotional and social well being.

In 2019 the day was celebrated under the theme “Mental Health Promotion and suicide prevention”.

World Federation for mental health

It was founded in 1948 to prevent mental and emotional disorders. The organisation aims to prevent mental disorders, spread mental health awareness and adopt best recovery practices.

India in tackling Mental Health issues

According to the World Health Organisation 7.5 % of the world population suffer from mental health issues. In India one in every seven persons is affected by mental health issues. The recent tragic death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has triggered mental health conservation needs in the country.

India has taken the following steps to improve mental health in the country

• The National Mental Health Programme was launched in 1982 to improve the status of Mental Health in India. This programme has three components namely treatment of mentally ill, rehabilitation and prevention and promotion of positive mental health.
• The mental health Act was enacted in 1987 and repealed in 2017.

Steps by United Nations

The World Health Organisation adopted Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013- 2020 at the 66th World Health assembly. Also, the sustainable development goals 3.4 and 3.5 focus on mental health. The WHO also launched Mental Health Atlas in 2017.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020