Today is World Mental Health Day. Observed every year on October 10, World Mental Health day seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. In a year like 2020 where much of the world is dealing with the traumas associated with the pandemic as well as the perils of physical distancing and social isolation, having the tools and resources to promote good mental wellness and promote positive mental health activities is more important this year than ever.
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to engage our friends and families to talk about the importance of fostering positive mental health practices. Doing this helps create communities in which mental health care and anti-stigma can help make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. This is also a time to share tools and resources to help. Below you will find links to some of the important discussions taking place today about mental health as well as links to tools and resources that you may use. A great place to start is the World Health Organization Page and how their continued campaign for World Mental Health Day.
If you or someone you love needs support, visit www.NAMI.org/FrontlineWellness to access resources that can help. You can also contact the NAMI HelpLine between 10am and 6pm ET M-F at 800-950-6264, or text “SCRUBS” or “10-18” to 741741 at any time for support.
NAMI Frontline Wellness
In an effort to support frontline professionals with their immediate and future mental health needs—today, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has launched NAMI Frontline Wellness: a COVID-19 mental health initiative in partnership with #FirstRespondersFirst. With support from Starbucks, KIND Snacks, Frontline Impact Project, Johnson & Johnson Foundation, Thrive Global, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, and the CAA Foundation, NAMI will contribute to the existing initiative through a community-centered approach that provides supportive resources tailored to the needs of frontline health care and public safety professionals. The initiative launches today during Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) on World Mental Health Day.
People of color face significant barriers to mental health services | CNN
Racism and stigma make it harder for people of color to get services, and it’s gotten worse during the coronavirus pandemic.
World Mental Health Day (Australia & New Zealand) | Together #WithMe
Today, on World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on our YouTube community and the real stories, self-care tips and ways to cope that have been shared to help lift us up, speak out and get through. Find a Way Together #WithMe.
May Is Mental Health Month 2020: Tools 2 Thrive | Mental Health America
Since 1949, Mental Health America and our affiliates across the country have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. We welcome other organizations to join us in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities.
While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. In 2020, our theme of Tools 2 Thrive will provide practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with. We now believe that these tools – even those that may need to be adapted for the short term because of COVID-19 and social distancing – will be more useful than ever.
Maintaining Positive Mental Health with Peer Supports | NAB
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Martha Barbone, Interim Director of Operations at the National Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) offered some insights on how you can address your own mental health, as well as the important role that peer supports play in supporting each other for better health and wellbeing.
Throwback to May: May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Join us in Promoting Awareness and Acceptance
Each year, 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental health condition. With so many people impacted, the chances are that almost everyone will know someone who is affected; either themselves, a family member, or a coworker. And despite commonplace occurrences of mental health conditions, misunderstanding and archaic biases are often barriers for people to properly identify symptoms and seek treatment and support. That is why we recognize each May as Mental Health Awareness Month, awareness and acceptance help foster inclusion for all people with disabilities.