World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is held on October 10th to raise awareness for the importance of mental health. The day is marked by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and the theme this year is Mental Health as a Universal Human Right. Just as we all have the right to enjoy good physical health, no one should not be prevented from attaining mental health and wellness, although cultural stigma, restricted funding, lack of research, problematic policy and supply chain issues all contribute to barriers.
Adequate treatment for mental illness is less visible than other global human rights infractions such as the right to clean drinking water or the right to freedom from slavery, and even less visible than most physical ailments and illnesses, it is too often pushed under the rug, left until last or until it is far too disintegrated, or treated in a shameful and dismissive manner.
The WFMH states that, “ensuring access to mental health services must be an obligation and responsibility of state and global organizations which can no longer be ignored. Access to better living conditions, security, food, shelter and housing are all necessary for people’s mental health.”
As a clinical counsellor working every day with mental health issues, I see first hand the barriers that people face in getting the help they need, whether that be financial, systemic, cultural, or pressure put on themselves. We have a long ways to go before mental health is recognized as a global human right, or even as a priority in Canada. We can each be leaders in this space by taking the time to support our own mental health, speaking with and supporting others about mental health in a positive light, and checking in on those who are struggling without judgement. If you have more capacity, you can go further by advocating for resources in the community and for funding through corporations and government.
#WMD2023BCACC
