World Mental Health Day

What Is World Mental Health Day?

October 10th is "World Mental Health Day," established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, with the World Health Organization (WHO) as an official supporting partner.

A Shared Global Day to Think About Mental Health

World Mental Health Day aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness and deepen understanding of the importance of mental health worldwide.

• Background: established by the World Federation for Mental Health to spread mental health awareness on a global scale
• WHO's support: with the backing of the World Health Organization, it became an international day, and awareness activities around a theme are held worldwide each year
• The green ribbon: internationally, the green ribbon is a symbol of mental health; in Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has held related awareness events since 2019
• Growing awareness in Japan: as interest in mental health has risen in recent years, related events are increasingly held by companies and local governments

Mental Health Struggles Can Happen to Anyone

Mental illness isn't a problem reserved for a select few -- it's a familiar health issue that anyone can experience. Noticing the signs early and getting the right support can be a major step toward recovery.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Take a quiet moment to reflect on your own mental state
• Pay gentle attention to changes in people close to you
• Look up accurate information about mental health
• Learn about counseling services and support systems available to you

Mental Health Matters Just as Much as Physical Health

Struggles of the mind, invisible as they are, deserve to be faced rather than ignored. October 10th is a day to turn a little kindness toward your own heart and the hearts of people you care about.