World Mental Health Day 2023: Theme, Date & Importance

People who suffer from mental health diseases often suffer in silence, lack of understanding, or fear of social stigma. To raise awareness about mental health issues around the world, the World Federation of Mental Health started celebrating World Mental Health Day on 10th October every year to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. World Mental Health Day 2023 will be celebrated on 10th October, Tuesday. On this day, mental health advocates around the world educate people about mental health conditions. Since 1992, World Mental Health Day has been celebrated internationally every year. Check here all about the World Mental Health Day 2023 theme, date, and colours. history, quotes, Importance and how to celebrate and where to celebrate. 

World Mental Health Day 2023 Theme

The theme for the World Mental Health Day 2023 is “Mental health is a universal human right”. This theme is acknowledging that mental health is for every human and raising awareness about it to protect everyone’s mental health without any stigma.

Why do we Celebrate Mental Health Day?

This day was created to educate the public about mental health and decrease the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It was celebrated in 1992 for the first time, however, a theme was first added in 1994, which was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Around the World.” Mental Health Day aims to challenge the stigma where people can openly talk about mental health with the intention of helping each other and making the world a better place.

Why is Mental Health Important

Mental health is vital for a person’s overall good health and well-being. Mental health is important for a positive self-image, healthier relationships, better productivity, and a higher quality of life. Mental Health Day is important to normalize mental health issues and decrease the stigma around them. It helps in educating people about mental health, the warning signs, and how one can help others. World Mental Health Day theme 2023 is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’, so WHO is also addressing the concern and making it a basic human right. There are other important days in 2023 as well that focus on mind wellness like World Schizophrenia Day 2023, Suicide Awareness Day 2023, and World Bipolar Day 2023.

Mental Health Rights and Policies

According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is a basic right for every person. WHO has some rights to standardize mental health, these are:

• Right to be protected from mental health risks
• Right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care
• Right to liberty, independence, and inclusion in the community

How to celebrate World Mental Health Day

There are many activities to celebrate International Mental Health Day 2023. Some of these are:

• Checking on yourself and your loved ones.
• Educating yourself and others on mental health issues.
• Sharing your mental health story in person or online.
• Supporting a mental health initiative in your community.
• Participating in the events for World Mental Health Day.
• Add emergency stress helpline numbers to your phones – All India Mental Health helpline:18005990019, Medical Helpline Number- 104, and for any emergency- 112.

How to celebrate World Mental Health Day at Work

Good mental health is an essential need in the workplace. Here are some tips to celebrate Mental Health Day at work:

• Organizing a mental health session to educate about the importance of mental health.
• Ease of communication about employee’s mental health.
• A paid wellness leave for a mental health day.
• Engage in some awareness activities and social causes.
• Some organizations are celebrating World Mental Health Week 2023 to address the concerns and help anyone in need.

Ways to Practice Good Mental Health

The mental health journey starts with self-care, here are some things that will help you feel more positive and get the most out of your life.

1. Travelling

Travelling often helps people cope with stress and works as an escape from the daily hustle. India is a treasure trove of exciting destinations that can help you focus on your mental health. Some of the peaceful places to explore in India are:

• Munnar: This peaceful hill station in Kerala, located at an altitude of 5026 feet, is all about pristine valleys, lush green forests extensive tea plantations, vantage points, and exotic flora and fauna.
  • How to Reach:
    • Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (109 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Udumalaippettai Railway Station (85 km) and Angamaly Railway Station (109 km)
  • Places to Stay: Hotels near Munnar
• Varanasi: Varanasi, Benaras, or Kashi, people call this divine city by several names. The majestic evening aarti beside the Ganges, the numerous holy ghats, and the much-revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple are surely going to enchant you for days to come.
  • How to Reach:
    • Nearest Airport: Varanasi International Airport (19 km from the centre)
    • Nearest Train Station: Varanasi Railway Station
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Varanasi Bus Stand
  • Places to Stay: Hotels in Varanasi
• Nainital: A trip to the calm and pleasant environs of Nainital is the best way to de-stress! With a calm environment, you can discover your true self in the lap of nature.
  • How to Reach:
    • Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (65 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam (36 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Tallital Bus Stand (2.3 km)
  • Places to Stay: Hotels in Nainital

Read this article for more insights: Why Traveling Often is Good For Your Health

2. Yoga and Meditation

Yoga is beneficial for both mental and physical health and also helps in boosting immunity as well as releasing happy hormones. Meditation can reduce stress and improve your ability to heal. It helps you become more self-aware and bounce back quickly from stressful events.

Suggested Read: Places in India for Yoga Lovers

3. Focus on Physical Health

Studies have shown that people who focus on keeping themselves physically active are less inclined to physical and mental health issues. Maintaining a routine for exercise while keeping a healthy diet helps boost immunity and also releases dopamine hormones.

Suggested Read: Ways to Increase your Immunity & Stay Healthy while Travelling

4. Give Yourself Some Time

Self care is proven to be one of the first steps towards a healthy lifestyle. Practicing solitude can help you know yourself better and also help in look for a positive aspect of life. Studies show that if you are releasing positive energies in any environment, it helps others in cheering up their mood too. Everyone should take some time off to just relax and focus on themselves.

5. Check on your Loved Ones

Check on your family and friends regularly to keep the connection healthy. You can meet them, call them, or even text them in this Internet era. It is important to stay connected with your family and friends to bring positivity into your life.

Themes of World Mental Health Day from 2013-2023

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10th October every year with a theme to acknowledge some issues. Here are the World Mental Health Day themes from the years 2013-2023:

Famous Quotes Related to Mental Health

• “What we think, we become.” — Buddha
• “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey
• “Change what you can manage what you can’t.” — Raymond McCauley
• “Your feelings are valid, no matter what they are. You have the right to feel whatever you feel.” – Unknown
• “It’s okay not to be okay. Just remember to reach out for help when you need it.” – Unknown
• “Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” – Noam Shpancer
• “The only journey is the journey within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
• “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

FAQs

Q. What is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2023?

A. The World Mental Health Day 2023 theme is “Mental health is a universal human right”.

Q. What is the purpose of World Mental Health Day?

A. The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world.

Q. Who started Mental Health Day?

A. The initiative for Mental Health Day was proposed in 1992 by Richard Hunter, Deputy Secretary General of the World Federation for Mental Health.

Q. What is the colour of Mental Health Day?

A. The green colour is the awareness colour for Mental Health Day.

Q. What are 3 facts about mental health?

A. Facts about mental health are – mental health issues can affect anyone, mental health conditions have nothing to do with being weak, and one can recover from the mental health issue.

Q. What is the symbol of mental health?

A. The green ribbon is the symbol of mental health awareness.

Q. What is the mental health flag?

A. The design of the mental health flag mirrors a sunrise and the transition from darker to light through brighter shades of colour. These shades of the flag also represent the multiple circumstances of our psychological or social life.

Q. What are the 5 warning signs of mental illness?

A. The 5 warning signs of mental illness are withdrawal from friends and activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, decrease in self-care or personal hygiene, and extreme mood swings.

Q. Why do we wear yellow on Mental Health Day?

A. People wear yellow on Mental Health Day because it is considered to be a happy and bright colour that acknowledges the issue and togetherness of people. Yellow is also one of the colours in the mental health awareness flag.