This year, the theme is Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority. This will be an opportunity for people with mental health conditions, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together to recognize progress in this field and to be vocal about what we need to do to ensure Mental Health & Well-Being becomes a Global Priority for all.
If you know someone who is struggling to sleep or is having issues with their mental health, there are things you can do.
1) Express concern and say you can help: Letting someone know you’re worried is a good way to open up a conversation – it shows you care about the person, have time for them, and that they do not have to avoid things with you.
2) Act as you usually do together: Do what you usually do – behaving differently can make someone feel more isolated. Do not be afraid to offer kind words and a space to talk, whether by phone, messaging, or in person.
3) Reassure them: The first time someone mentions their worries is a big step. It’s good to recognize this and reassure them. Let them know you’re there to listen when they need to talk.
4) Offer your time to listen: Listening is an important skill. Ask open questions that start with “how”, “what”, “where” or “when”. This can help people open up.
5) Be patient: You will not always know the full story. There may be reasons why they have found it difficult to ask for help. Just being there can be helpful for someone who may want to open up later.
6) If they do not want support: Gently explore their reasons for not wanting to get support. If they are unsure whether to get help, just talking and listening without judgment could help work out what’s getting in the way.
7) Do not force it: Do not force someone to talk to you or get help, and do not go to a doctor on their behalf. This may lead to them feeling uncomfortable, with less power and less ability to speak for themselves.
8) Look after yourself: It can be upsetting to hear someone you care about in distress. Be kind to yourself and take some time to relax or do something you enjoy.
9) Little acts of kindness: like offering to do the shopping or to go to professional appointments with them – can help. Find out what works for them.
You might worry that you do not know the best way to help or will say something wrong and make things worse. But the small things we say or do can make a big difference to someone. Just tell them you see their struggle can be an important help. People can be afraid to let others know they are not coping, but being able to connect with others can be a relief.
It’s equally important for you to know the steps you can take to improve your own mental health.
1) Take care of yourself: It is important to set boundaries and take focused time to recharge. Walk your dog, enjoy a workout, or pick up a book for some leisurely reading. Sometimes this might mean stepping away from your work, and that’s okay. (You need breaks!)
2) Disconnect, even if for a little while: It can be difficult to stay in the present moment when you’re constantly bombarded with reminders, concerns, expectations, and distractions that fuel anxious thoughts. In these moments, it can be helpful to turn off notifications, step away from computers, and put phones aside.
3) Build courage and fight the stigma: A survey found that 44% of millennials and 38% of Gen Zs who took time off of work because of stress or anxiety said they hadn’t disclosed the real reason to their managers, as talking about mental health at work is still stigmatized. Taking time to build relationships with your manager and direct colleagues beyond the day-to-day tasks at work will help break down barriers and ease comfort levels to engage in these honest conversations. To build these relationships (virtually or in-person), try taking a coffee break with your manager, coworkers, or peers.
4) Build a meaningful support network: The value of finding confidants at work or in school — people with mutual interests or those who understand your position and the challenges you face — cannot be understated. Find a peer you trust and with who you can talk authentically and honestly about how you are feeling.
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.