It's OK Not To Be OK: World Mental Health Day 2022

World Mental Health day is upon us (10th October), and this year's theme is 'mental health for all'.

This means that we should all be doing our part to raise awareness about mental health and its various issues, and also to try to break down the stigma that surrounds it. 

What Is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day was first observed in 1992, and is now an annual event.

The day is organised by the World Federation for Mental Health, and its aim is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to promote better mental health for all.

As mentioned above, this year's theme is 'mental health for all', which means that everyone has a role to play in promoting mental health and breaking down the stigma that surround it.

There are many ways that you can get involved, such as:

• Raising awareness on social media using the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay.
• Writing about your own experiences with mental health on a blog or website.
• Talking to friends and family about mental health and starting a conversation.
• Sharing articles, infographics or other resources about mental health.
• Organising or taking part in a fundraising event for a mental health charity.

Why Is It Important To Talk About Mental Health?

Mental health is an important issue because it affects so many people.

According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.

This means that mental health is something that we should all be aware of, and it's important to talk about it so that people feel more comfortable discussing their own experiences.

Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health is also important.

Too often, people with mental health problems are made to feel like they are alone, or like they should be ashamed of themselves.

This is not the case, and it's important to talk about mental health so that people feel more comfortable discussing their own experiences.

What Are Some Common Mental Health Issues?

There are many different mental health issues, and they can affect anyone at any time.

Some of the most common mental health issues include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disorders
• Stress

If you are struggling with any of these issues, or if you are worried about your mental health in general, it's important to seek help from a professional.

You can also talk to friends or family members, or you can contact a helpline such as the Samaritans.

What Can I Do To Help Someone With A Mental Health Problem?

If you know someone who is struggling with a mental health problem, there are many things that you can do to help them.

Some of the most important things are:

Checking in regularly

Oftentimes, someone who struggles with their mental health will want to retreat into their own world for lots of different reasons.

Maybe they feel like they're a burden, maybe they're embarrassed, or maybe they just don't know how to deal with their feelings.

Whatever the reason, it's important to check in with them regularly and let them know that you're there for them.

Listening to them and letting them know that you are there for them

It is very easy for us, as individuals, to get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget to just sit and listen to someone - if you know someone who has either told you they are going through a tough time or if you can see that they are struggling, the kindest thing you can do for them is to really listen; be patient, be present and be there for them.

Listening without judgement

If someone is struggling with their mental health, it is so important to listen to them without judgement.

This means not trying to fix their problems or tell them what they should be doing - sometimes, people just need someone to listen to them and offer their support.

Helping them to find information and resources about mental health.

There are many different types of support available, both online and offline. These can provide a great source of support for someone who is struggling with a mental health problem.

Encouraging them to seek professional help

If someone is really struggling, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help; this could be in the form of therapy, medication or both.

The most important thing is that they get the help that they need.

Supporting them in their recovery and helping them to stay positive.

Recovery from a mental health problem is often a long and difficult process, but it is so important to support the person in their recovery and help them to stay positive - this means being there for them when they need you, and celebrating their progress with them.

Mental health is something that we should all be aware of, and it's important to remember that it's OK not to be OK.

If you are struggling, please seek help from a professional. And if you know someone who is struggling, please reach out to them and offer your support.

Children and Mental Health

Mental health plays just as important a role when it comes to our children; most recently evidenced in the increase of diagnosis in young people and the concern around social media and its impact.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 children aged 3-17 (21.4%) have a diagnosed mental health condition.

This number has increased steadily over the past decade.

Mental health problems can manifest themselves in many different ways in children and adolescents.

Some common signs to look out for include:

• Withdrawing from friends or family members
• Loss of interest in activities that they used to enjoy
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Poor concentration or attention span
• Mood swings or sudden emotional outbursts
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Problems with behaviour at school
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

The problem with assessing mental health in children is that, often, the symptoms can be attributed to other things or written off as "just a phase." It's important to remember that every child is different and that what may seem like a phase to one child may actually be a sign of a bigger problem for another.

Not only that: Not all children are capable of recognising/vocalising their feelings or concerns.

This can make it difficult for parents to identify when their child is struggling.

If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with a mental health problem, the best thing to do is to talk to them about it.

If they are reluctant to talk, there are many organisations and helplines that offer support and advice for both parents and children.

It's so important to remember that it's OK not to be OK, and that we should all be more mindful of our mental health.

If you are struggling, please seek help from a professional. And if you know someone who is struggling, please reach out to them and offer your support.

FAQ's:

Should kids be allowed mental health days?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and so children should absolutely be allowed mental health days. This can help them to recharge and recover from any stress or anxiety that they may be feeling.

What are the 5 basic needs of a child?

The five basic needs of a child are: food, shelter, clothing, love/affection and attention.

How can I improve my child's mental health?

There are many things that you can do to improve your child's mental health, including:

Encouraging them to express their feelings openly and freely; helping them to develop a positive self-image; teaching them healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety; providing them with a stable and supportive home environment; creating opportunities for them to socialise and make friends; encouraging them to participate in activities that they enjoy.

At what age is a child most influenced?

A child is most influenced during their early years, from birth to around age five. This is when they are learning and developing at a rapid pace, and so it's important to provide them with a supportive and nurturing environment during this time.

Wrapping Up:

World Mental Health Day is a day when we all come together to talk about mental health and raise awareness for the millions of people around the world who suffer from various mental illnesses.

This year's theme is "It's OK Not To Be OK." For children, this can be a difficult message to understand.

They may feel like they're supposed to be strong and never show weakness or vulnerability.

But it's important for them to know that it's okay not to be okay sometimes, and that there are people who love and support them no matter what.

If you're a parent or guardian, please take some time today to talk with your child about mental health and let them know that it's okay to ask for help if they need it.

Thank you for helping us spread this important message on World Mental Health Day.

Do You Need Help?

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