World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10th to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental well-being. While the theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 has not been announced yet, the day typically focuses on a particular aspect of mental health each year.
In 2022, the theme was “Mental Health in an Unequal World,” which highlighted the inequities that exist in access to mental health care and resources. In 2021, the theme was “Mental Health in an Unequal World: Building Resilience,” which focused on the importance of building resilience and supporting mental health during times of crisis.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is the leading organisation behind World Mental Health Day and usually releases information about the theme and activities for the day closer to the date. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote the importance of seeking help and support for mental health concerns.
History of World mental health Day
World Mental Health Day was first celebrated on October 10th, 1992, as an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global organization dedicated to improving mental health and well-being. The day was established to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote the importance of mental health advocacy, education, and support.
The World Federation for Mental Health launched the day to bring attention to the increasing prevalence of mental health issues around the world and the need for improved mental health care and resources. Each year, World Mental Health Day has a specific theme that highlights a particular aspect of mental health.
Over the years, the day has grown in popularity and recognition, with organisations, governments, and communities around the world organising events and activities to raise awareness and promote mental well-being. Today, World Mental Health Day is recognised in over 100 countries and is an important opportunity to reduce stigma, promote mental health education and advocacy, and encourage people to seek help and support for mental health concerns.
Why celebrate World mental health Day
World Mental Health Day is celebrated to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being. Mental health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, but mental health issues continue to be a significant global health challenge.
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to bring attention to the importance of mental health and to advocate for better access to mental health care and resources. The day also serves as a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
Celebrating World Mental Health Day helps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourages individuals to seek help and support when they need it. By raising awareness and promoting mental well-being, we can work together to create a more supportive and inclusive society that prioritises mental health as an essential aspect of overall health and well-being.
Theme of World mental health Day 2022
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is “Building Mental Health Equity: Mental Health for All.” The theme aims to raise awareness about the significant inequities that exist in access to mental health care and resources and promote the need for more equitable and inclusive mental health care systems globally.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant disparities in mental health care access and resources, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need to prioritize mental health equity as a critical component of global mental health policy and action.
World Mental Health Day 2022 will focus on promoting mental health equity by addressing social determinants of mental health, investing in mental health resources and services for underserved communities, and increasing awareness and education around mental health disparities.
The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health equity and advocate for policies and initiatives that promote more inclusive and equitable mental health care systems worldwide.
Previous Year’s World Mental Health Day Theme
| Year | World Mental Health Day Theme |
| 1994 | Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World |
| 1996 | Women and Mental Health |
| 1997 | Children and Mental Health |
| 1998 | Mental Health and Human Rights |
| 1999 | Mental Health and Aging |
| 2000-01 | Mental Health and Work |
| 2002 | The Effects of Trauma and Violence on Children & Adolescents |
| 2003 | Emotional and Behavioural Disorders of Children & Adolescents |
| 2004 | The Relationship Between Physical & Mental Health: co-occurring disorders |
| 2005 | Mental and Physical Health Across the Life Span |
| 2006 | Building Awareness – Reducing Risk: Mental Illness & Suicide |
| 2007 | Mental Health in A Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity |
| 2008 | Making Mental Health a Global Priority: Scaling up Services through Citizen Advocacy and Action |
| 2009 | Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing Treatment and Promoting Mental Health |
| 2010 | Mental Health and Chronic Physical Illnesses |
| 2011 | The Great Push: Investing in Mental Health |
| 2012 | Depression: A Global Crisis |
| 2013 | Mental health and older adults |
| 2014 | Living with Schizophrenia |
| 2015 | Dignity in Mental Health |
| 2016 | Psychological First Aid |
| 2017 | Mental health in the workplace |
| 2018 | Young people and mental health in a changing world |
| 2019 | Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention |
| 2020 | Move for mental health: Increased investment in mental health |
| 2021 | Mental Health in an Unequal World |
| 2022 | Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority |