World Mental Health Day

This year’s World Mental Health Day was organised by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in collaboration with the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

The event aims to work towards improving public awareness, reducing stigma and discrimination, and promoting service and policy advocacy to address the global impact that suicide associated with mental illnesses has on the global burden of disease.

According to The World Health Organization, "suicide is a huge but largely preventable public health problem".

Almost one million individuals commit suicide each year and estimates suggest that this number will rise to 1.5 million by the year 2020. More information ...

The message of Mental Health Europe - a member of EPHA - is that good health care and mental health promotion can reduce the risk of suicide among people with a mental illness. Public health approaches need to emphasise that mental health is treatable and suicide is preventable.

Background to World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was observed for the first time on 10 October 1992. It was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health and is officially commemorated every year on October 10th.

Preparations for the World Mental Health Day can go on for months beforehand and it is a long-term educational effort.

Small events as well as the large campaigns give World Mental Health Day a global reach. Further information on the events, projects of World Mental Health Day 2006 ...

The themes of World Mental Health Day up to this point include -

1996: Women and Mental Health
1997: Children and Mental Health
1998: Mental Health and Human Rights
1999: Mental Health and Ageing
2000-2001: 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