October 10th: World Mental Health Day 2022
World Mental Health Day occurs on 10 October each year; it was established by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992 and is recognised by the World Health Organisation. It aims to promote - through campaigns and activities - mental health awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
The theme of 2022 is 'Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority' has been chosen, because in a world shaken by the effects of pandemics, wars and climate emergency, the well-being of all must be a priority.
In 2019, even before the pandemic, it was estimated that one in eight people globally were living with a mental disorder. In many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the services, skills and funding available for mental health do not meet the real needs of society.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the global mental health crisis, fuelling short- and long-term stress and undermining the mental health of millions of people. According to estimates, there was a more than 25% increase in anxiety and depressive disorders in the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health services have failed to respond adequately to the needs of the population and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.
There is a need to investigate how individuals, communities and governments devote themselves to the issue of mental health and to analyse the value and commitment that is being devoted. Mental health care must be strengthened so that the full spectrum of mental health needs are met through a community network of accessible, affordable and quality services and supports.
WHO will work with partners to launch a campaign on 'Making mental health and well-being for all a global priority'. This will be an opportunity for people with mental illness, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together to recognise the progress that has been made in this field and to make their voices heard on what needs to be done to ensure that mental health and wellbeing becomes a global priority for all.