Words of wisdom on World Mental Health Day
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, and everyone from advocates to celebrities to the royals are speaking out to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness.
This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Prince Harry joined together at the iconic London Eye for an event hosted by Heads Together, the mental health organization they helped create.
“Mental health is not a dirty word – we all have mental health like we do physical health, good or ill. But not seeking help at those times when it all seems too much, or we are depressed or anxious, can impact the rest of our lives,” William said. “Put simply, the three of us want to make asking for help no longer a big deal.”
"On the @heads_together journey so far we have seen the difference that a listening ear can make to people’s lives" - The Duke on #WMHD16 pic.twitter.com/MIO3chk3g2
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 10, 2016
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, added: “All of us know someone who has been through difficult emotional times, and we know how hard it can be to see a way forward… More needs to be done to support people who are seeking help. Over the coming months, we hope to explore what else we can do to increase the level of service and support that people can receive.”
HRH: "William, Harry and I feel it is our duty to do what we can, with your help, to shine a spotlight on emotional wellbeing" #WMHD16 pic.twitter.com/DPXdaEfUPX
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 10, 2016
The royals’ campaign aims to change the conversation on mental health by raising awareness, providing resources for people with mental health challenges, and shining light on the importance of ending the stigma. Kate has spoken out about it a number of times before, making it one of her making it one of her signature issues.
To mark World Mental Health Day, Heads Together is encouraging people to celebrate anyone who has supported them through a difficult time using the hashtag #ThereForMe.
This #WorldMentalHealthDay celebrate someone who has supported you through a difficult time. Tweet @heads_together #ThereForMe pic.twitter.com/drygjTrfKJ
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 10, 2016
About a quarter of the world’s population – around 450 million people – will be affected by mental illness, making mental disorders among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO launched a campaign called “Depression: Let’s Talk” to encourage people suffering from this common condition to seek help. The organization estimates that 350 million people struggle with depression worldwide. Over 800,000 people die due to suicide every year and it is the second leading cause of death in 15- to 29-year-olds, WHO reports.
It's #WorldMentalHealthDay.
— WHO (@WHO) October 10, 2016
Depression can happen to anybody. #LetsTalk: Never be afraid to ask for help https://t.co/XJ8aXTaByw pic.twitter.com/UTQp3m3aRn
Although there are known, effective treatments for depression, fewer than half of people in the world who suffer from the condition get treatment. In some countries, that number is lower than 10 percent. Barriers to treatment include a lack of resources and trained health care providers, stigma surrounding mental illness, and discrimination against those affected.
This morning, WHO hosted a Facebook Live discussion in which experts talked about ways countries can help break through these barriers and provide better care for people who need it.
World Mental Health DayLIVE: Join our experts on World Mental Health Day!
Posted by World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, October 10, 2016
A wide range of other world leaders, celebrities, advocacy organizations and individuals online are sharing their stories and words of encouragement using the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay.
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we pledge to support Canadians facing mental health challenges & those who work to help: https://t.co/wKOXcBRKE9
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 10, 2016
When I was 12 I was compelled to tell my parents every guilty thought otherwise I'd get a stomachache from anxiety. #WorldMentalHealthDay
— Rachel Bloom (@Racheldoesstuff) October 10, 2016
Getting a psychiatrist was the best thing I ever did for myself. Don't let ANYONE shame you into not getting help. #WorldMentalHealthDay
— Rachel Bloom (@Racheldoesstuff) October 10, 2016
your mental illness
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) October 10, 2016
doesn't define you
doesn't make you weak
doesn't make you crazy
doesn't make you a burden#WorldMentalHealthDay
Depression is not a feeling
— Spøøky Jade 💀 (@pantaloonlester) October 10, 2016
Bipolar is not mood swings
Anorexia is not a body shape
Anxiety is not shyness #WorldMentalHealthDay
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay. Please know that it's okay to be honest and it's okay to ask for help. Your story is important.
— TWLOHA (@TWLOHA) October 10, 2016