This year marks the 25th anniversary of World Mental Health Day. Established in 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health has been holding events, raising awareness, and making announcements about mental health conditions. No matter the condition, it is always important to reach out and ask for help, or for loved ones or friends to ask those with mental health conditions if they ever need help. Asking for help or helping others does not make you weak. It makes you stronger.
The theme of World Mental Health Day 2017 is “Mental Health In The Workplace.” Most adults will spend a huge part of their lives at work, wherever that may be. The environment in the workplace can influence your emotional and mental health in various ways. Coworkers, employers, or even the office itself can play a role in the development of a mental health condition.
Roughly 300 million people worldwide have some form of depression, and about 260 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders. There are lots of people who live with both anxiety and depression. These conditions are the leading cause of disability and cost the global economy about one trillion dollars annually in lost productivity.
What Can You Do To Help?
There are many ways to help and to show that you support World Mental Health Day. It can be as simple as raising awareness on social media, or making a banner on a company website. In regards to social media, there are online communities that you can join for help and support. As far as employers are concerned, it is important to establish initiatives to promote mental health, and show support for employees with mental health disorders. Help these employees see the value of the office team and how their work contributes to overall productivity.
Join others around the world today by raising awareness about mental health conditions. Let’s mobilize our efforts and help support this global cause. Never be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be afraid to bring up your mental disorder in your place of work. Talking is helping, so don’t suppress what you feel.
