Ideas For World Mental Health Day (OUT OF THE BOX)

The last couple of years has been a rollercoaster ride for many of us. 2020 and 2021 were tough, with a lot of changes and challenges happening in the world. 2022 has been even tougher, with national and global events causing widespread anxiety and stress. 

We are all learning to live and work in a new world that presents its own unique challenges and privileges, whether it was supporting the country during a healthcare crisis, creating a new functional hybrid workforce, or adjusting to an unprecedented financial landscape.

Why Do We Celebrate World Mental Health Day (WHMD)?

10th October 2022 marks the annual World Mental Health Day - organised by the World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH), the theme for this year's commemoration is: "Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority".

The day provides an opportunity for all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, and to consider how we can support others who may be struggling.

It also shines a spotlight on the amazing work being done by mental health professionals and organisations around the world to support those with mental ill health.

What Is The Importance of WMHD?

Just as we take care of our physical health, mental health should be given the same importance.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Mental ill-health can have a profound and debilitating effect on our lives, and yet it is often seen as a taboo subject.

WMHD provides an opportunity for us to open up the conversation about mental health, and to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.

It also raises awareness of the support that is available for those who are struggling.

World Mental Health Day Initiatives For Kids

There are lots of different initiatives being planned for WMHD this year - here are just a few ideas:

Organise a virtual or in-person mental health awareness event at your school

This could involve guest speakers, information stalls, or fun activities like bake sales or dress-up days.

Create a social media campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues among young people

Encourage your school community to get involved in the WMHD social media campaign

This year's theme is "Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority".

Use the hashtag #WMHD2022 or #mentalhealthmatters to share your photos and stories.

Related: The Screen Time Rules Every Family Needs To Know

Make a poster or video about what mental health means to you

Write letters or create artwork to show your support for people with mental ill-health

These can be shared on social media using the hashtag #WMHD2022, or sent directly to someone you know who may be struggling.

Take part in a fundraising challenge to support a mental health charity of your choice

There are lots of ways to get the kids involved; both national and local schemes - there are many wonderful organisations doing vital work to support those with mental ill-health.

You could get involved directly by setting up activities/collections, making a one-off donation, or setting up a regular giving plan. Every little bit helps!

Write essays or poems about your experiences with mental health

This might be a wonderful approach to start a conversation with your friends and family about mental health while also raising awareness of the problem.

Design t-shirts, badges, or other items to show your support for WMHD

These can be sold to raise money for charity, or simply given out to help spread the message that mental health matters.

It's also something fun for the kids t get involved in and get their hands dirty!

World Mental Health Day Resources

There are lots of great resources available to help you get involved in WMHD.

Here are just a few:

• The World Health Organisation has a range of materials available on its website, including fact sheets, infographics, and social media assets.
• The World Federation for Mental Health also has a range of resources available on its website, including posters, guidance on how to get involved, and contact details for mental health organisations around the world.
• Mental Health America has a range of free downloads available on its website, including activity sheets, coloring pages, and educational materials.
• Heads Together have created a toolkit full of ideas and resources to help individuals, communities, and businesses get involved in WMHD.

These are just a few ideas to get you started - there are lots of other great resources out there too.

Whatever you do, make sure you have fun and enjoy yourselves! And don't forget to use the hashtag #WMHD2022 to share your photos and stories.

FAQs

What are 5 ways to improve mental health?

Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, take breaks when you need them, and spend time with people you care about.

How can I help someone with mental health problems?

There are many ways you can help someone who is struggling with their mental health. The most important thing is to be there for them, listen to them, and offer support and encouragement. You can also signpost them to helpful resources like helplines or mental health charities.

If you need more ideas or information, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

How can we bring awareness to mental health in schools?

There are many ways to bring awareness to mental health in schools. One way is to get involved in World Mental Health Day (WMHD), which takes place on the 10th of October each year. This year's theme is "Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority". Use the hashtag #WMHD2022 or #mentalhealthmatters to share your photos and stories.

you could create a poster or video about what mental health means to you, write letters of support for people with mental illness, take part in a fundraising challenge, or share your experiences with mental health through essays or poems.

What are some early warning signs of mental illness?

Feelings of aloneness or withdrawal are early warning signals of mental illness, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, a decrease in motivation or concentration, an increase in anxiety or irritability, and making comments about self-harm or suicide. If you are worried about someone, the best thing to do is talk to them about it.

Why schools should focus on mental health?

Because mental health is just as important as physical health, schools should focus on providing resources for students to maintain good mental health. When students have good mental health, they not only do better academically and socially but also emotionally. They learn how to manage stressors in their life, set appropriate boundaries, and make healthy choices more easily when these are taught at school.

What are some ways parents can support their child’s mental health?

There are many ways that parents can support their child’s mental health. Some things you can do include talking to your child about their feelings, helping them to identify coping strategies, establishing a regular routine, and making time for fun activities together. You can also signpost them to helpful resources like helplines or mental health charities.

Wrapping Up:

World Mental Health Day is intended to remind us of the importance of mental health and to consider ways we may assist individuals who are having difficulties.

It’s also an opportunity for us to celebrate the progress that has been made in this area and to look forward to what we can achieve in the future.

We hope you will join us in supporting mental health awareness and education, both locally and globally - what will you do to help make a difference?

Do You Need Help?

If you do, your first port of call should be Psychology Today.