World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year, with the aim of raising awareness of mental health issues, creating positive changes that support people, improving mental health outcomes and eliminating stigma. Each of us can make an effort to ensure that people dealing with mental health problems can live better lives with dignity.
There are certain barriers to seeking treatment, known as stigma. Stigma is the perception that a certain attribute makes a person unacceptably different from others, leading to prejudice and discrimination against them. Mental health stigma and discrimination prevent people from seeking help, which can delay treatment and impair recovery. It also causes isolation, excluding people from day-to-day activities and making it hard to build new relationships or sustain current ones.
Taking care of yourself includes taking care of your mental and physical well-being. This makes up your overall well-being, and is integral to leading a happy and fulfilling life. Fortunately, many people experience improved mental well-being with the right help. There are always options, there is always hope, and there is always a healthy way to manage your symptoms.
World Mental Health Day recognizes the importance of self-care and nurturing mental well-being. Below are a few tips to start each day with a positive perspective:
- Develop healthy physical habits. Healthy eating, physical activity, and regular sleep can improve your physical and mental health.
- Remember your good deeds. Give yourself credit for the good things you do for others each day.
- Forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from what went wrong but don’t dwell on it.
- Spend more time with friends. Surround yourself with positive, healthy people.
- Explore your beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life. Think about how to guide your life by the principles that are important to you.
- Practice healthy thinking. Build your emotional resilience by adopting positive habits or thoughts. You can do this by practicing gratitude or reframing negative situations in a more positive light.
Behavioral Health Systems is the parent company of Safety First. BHS offers Mental Health and Substance Abuse benefits to employers along with Employee Assistance Programs.