According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people live with a mental health condition. In an effort to both raise awareness of mental health issues and promote prevention, treatment and quality care access, World Mental Health Day on October 10 is an opportunity to prioritize engagement around vital initiatives.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” The day is designed to provide a platform for people with lived experiences to be heard, and to engage those voices in helping to shape new policies and promote inclusive support for mental health care.
For the estimated one in eight people living with mental health conditions, the need for real action now cannot be overstated. All too often the stigma associated with depression, anxiety and other common mental health issues prevents people from seeking care. Discrimination against people with mental health challenges is still a genuine threat for many in their personal and professional lives.
Stigma still sidelines care
The American Psychiatric Association reports that more than half of the people with mental illness don’t receive help for their conditions, and often avoid treatment for fear of losing their job or being considered negatively by others at work and beyond. Stigma, negative bias and unfair treatment remain a significant fear and reality for many.
While asking for help remains challenging and misunderstood for men and women of all ages, pursuing mental health support can be the first step to improving overall health and long-term resilience. Everyone’s mental health journey is different, but there are some common signs that indicate it may be time to seek help.
Reasons to seek help
- Continued feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Constant anxiety and/or worry
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Trouble managing daily life and responsibilities
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Harmful coping strategies like alcohol abuse or emotional eating
Recognizing these signs is an important first step. A behavioral health evaluation can help identify concerns, assess needs and connect individuals with appropriate support and treatment options.
Signs children and teens may be struggling with mental health
Teenagers and younger children can manifest emotional distress in a variety of ways. Parents may notice changes like retreating from friends or a lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy, new and sudden mood swings, worsening grades or performance at school, trouble sleeping and new and frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches. Parents and other caregivers are encouraged to trust their instincts and reach out for help if something seems amiss.
Normalizing mental health conversations
World Mental Health Day reminds us that it is incumbent on professionals and community members alike to encourage more conversation around mental health stressors and available support. We must work together to continue dismantling barriers to care and encourage proactive therapeutic support as a means of moving forward to healthier futures.
Resources and support
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, help is available. The following resources can connect you with professional guidance, treatment options and immediate assistance when needed.
- Request a Behavioral Health Evaluation. Our compassionate board-certified psychiatrists and licensed clinical specialists provide confidential evaluations to help determine the right level of support and treatment. Request an evaluation online or call 847-HEALING (847-432-5464).
- World Mental Health Day. Learn more about the international observance and access information or campaign resources from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 for immediate emotional support and crisis assistance.
Seeking support is a sign of strength and an investment in overall health and wellness. Mental health care can transform lives and pave the way for better, stronger tomorrows.
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