Mental Health Day first appeared in 1992 and has become an annual event supported by WHO and the World Federation of Mental Health.
Initially, this day did not have a specific theme. It was aimed at mass education of the public on current issues related to the psychological state of a person. For the first three years, the only event on the day was a two-hour telecast broadcast around the world. In 1994, a proposal was made by the Secretary-General to develop an annual theme for the day, which would be explored and discussed in detail on the commemorative date.
Thus, over the years, many topics have been covered regarding the mental health of women, children, the fight against suicide, severe addictions, cruelty and violence, etc. This event received great support from many countries. Over the course of several years, it grew into a worldwide event, in which most states and public organizations specializing in aspects of mental health care became interested.
This project has been developing over the years and interest in it does not fade. People see the importance of the issues raised, the awareness of the population about the problems associated with mental illnesses, and feel real help from the measures taken to prevent and treat such diseases and their prerequisites.
Every year, 1 billion people suffer from mental disorders. As a rule, this affects men already in their youth, and women face psycho-emotional disorders by the age of 30.
There is a close connection between physical and mental health. Doctors know for certain the psychosomatics of many diseases – stomach ulcers, asthma, some heart diseases. They often arise from nervous shock.
The most common disease of modern realities is depression. An even more important problem, largely caused by this condition, is suicide. Every year, more than 800 thousand people around the world commit suicide. A large percentage of people suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, and have mental illnesses that require hospitalization. All of them also need the help of a psychiatrist.
Many patients with mental disorders cannot receive qualified help or receive it late. In 2010, WHO developed a program whose goal is to create special services to provide assistance to countries with low levels of treatment and prevention of mental disorders.
Reference:
https://www.who.int/news/item/27-08-2020-world-mental-health-day-an-opportunity-to-kick-start-a-massive-scale-up-in-investment-in-mental-health
Author: Irada Ismaiylova