World Mental Health Day 2024

Albus_Scope

It feels like I wrote about World Mental Health Day 2023 a couple of days ago, wow, time flies!

Every year on October 10th, people around the globe come together to observe World Mental Health Day. This annual event, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, serves as a platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support those affected. In 2024, the focus remains on creating a world where mental wellbeing is recognized as a fundamental right, accessible to everyone, including disabled individuals who often face unique challenges when it comes to mental health support.

Just remember, like physical health, we all have mental health, it can be good or bad. Many people will say "I have mental health" when they have depression or anxiety, but if you broke your ankle, you wouldn't say "Oh this? I have physical health" would you?

This year, the focus is on “Mental Health at Work” which emphasises the importance of creating workplaces where your mental health is not only acknowledged but actively supported. For disabled people, this support must include things like proper accommodations, flexible working conditions, and an understanding of the unique pressures we may face. Workplaces that neglect to offer such support risk leaving employees feeling isolated, stressed, and undervalued—issues that can lead to long-term mental health problems.

There are many things that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, from providing staff training on mental health, tackling discrimination and bullying and even just having a natter to your workmates when you're feeling stressed. Importantly, a mentally healthy workplace supports open conversations about mental health and can even increase productivity.  

While talking about mental health in the workplace has become more common, many people still face stigma when it comes to severe mental health problems.  This means there’s more work to be done to tackle mental health stigma in the workplace.  

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest challenges surrounding mental health is the stigma that persists in many parts of society. For disabled individuals, the stigma around mental health can be even more pronounced. People with disabilities often face misconceptions and negative stereotypes regarding their capabilities and wellbeing. This can prevent them from seeking help when they need it most, or even recognizing that their mental health requires attention.

World Mental Health Day provides an important opportunity to challenge these stereotypes and promote understanding. It’s a day to remind everyone that mental health issues are nothing to be ashamed of, and that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. By addressing the stigma head on, we can create a more compassionate, understanding society that values the mental health of all its members, regardless of their abilities.

Mental health affects us all, good or bad, and by working together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need. World Mental Health Day is more than just a day of awareness, it’s a call to action. Let’s work together to make mental health care accessible to everyone, everywhere! ❤️

Emilee

If you substitute 'health' for 'wellbeing' it helps to understand the meaning of the sentence.

"Creating a world where mental wellbeing is a fundamental right".

Health is a synonym of wellbeing.

WhatThe

It's also World Homeless Day 2024.

What it means I don't know, all things considered.. 🙄

JW77

I've just added a post, but to quote the words of the show..

"This is Dr. Frasier Crane wishing you all good mental health."

Albus_Scope

Thanks @Emilee that's exactly it! I've edited it for more clarity, so thanks to @vikki66 for pointing that out. Good mental health support is something I'll always try to champion, as I'm one of the many who was previously unable to work due to extreme mental health struggles.

And thanks to @JW77 as I know have Tossed Salads and Scrambled Eggs stuck on loop in my head.

Nightcity

There's no help round here, our mental health clinic discharged me multiple times with comments such as

"Going in circles, many issues overlap preventing medication response"

"not much we can do for someone like you"

"call us if you get suicidal, otherwise you'll have to just do what you can for yourself "

Albus_Scope

That sounds like a very familiar story @Nightcity I'm so sorry. For many they're too ill for self referral, but not ill enough for CMHTs etc, so many people are being left by the side of the road and that's just not right at all.

JW77

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/921051#Comment_921051

Have you seen anything of the new series of Frasier. Watched the first 2 episodes while we had Paramount for a short while.
I enjoyed it.

Albus_Scope

I'm really hoping the new government will funnel more money into our mental health services, it's horrible to see so many asking for help, but none being available.

I've not had the courage to watch any of them yet @JW77 I'm always worried they'll never be as good as the original series. But I've been hearing positive reviews!

Nightcity

absolutely @Albus_Scope @vikki66 it's a shame

it's like on a scale of one to ten how likely are you right now to do something.

I have a friend who is a nurse (not in the uk) and she gently told me given my history that is the most likely eventual end for me.

since about 2005 I've had just about enough control. this year has been the worst of my life so far and I'm ok still so that's got to be good.

Nightcity

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/921252#Comment_921252

Unfortunately not it's just me and my mum, who ironically is now iller than me we live together and she does for me what I'm incapable of and I do for her what she's incapable of.

taking MH out the equation based on ny health in general I'd be surprised If I see 55 (I'm 42) I know that sounds dramatic but I genuinely believe that.

I am not a talker anyway but a fantastic listener It makes me happy to make others feel a bit better.

and I'm a simple person in terms of appreciating everything and enjoying it right down to something as mundane as a nice cup of coffee.

WhatThe

I never thought I'd last long either but turning 50 was the best birthday I've ever had! I laughed about it for the whole year and that was without a party or my autism diagnosis! I was truly surprised that I'd survived and now glad that I did.

Nightcity

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/921501#Comment_921501

I love this 💛

WhatThe

💜

Rachel_Scope

@Nightcity, I like to practice mindfulness when doing mundane things, such as making a cup of tea. If you focus on each part of the process and take your time it can be really relaxing 😊 Has anyone tried guided meditation to relax?

Rachel_Scope

I can't say that I'm that great at practising mindfulness regularly, but I try! Learning to put your own wellbeing first is really difficult, and can often feel quite selfish, although it's really not. It takes time to find out what works best for you. I'd never heard of yoga nidra but I might give it a go. Have you tried it yourself?

Rachel_Scope

That's a shame that the class couldn't continue. Your friend sounds very disciplined, I'd love to be more like that! My friend bought me some mindfulness candles that burn for one minute whilst you try and zone out. I haven't tried it yet as one minute doesn't seem long enough to switch off!

Rachel_Scope

Haha yes I think you're right about needing to be a zen master! Maybe you could try something today that's mindful? There are loads of guided meditations on youtube you could try. Or maybe you could listen to some calming music with a candle on and focus on the flame? Maybe one that burns longer than one minute 😂