Photo: DISRUPTIVO on Unsplash
Remove the stigma!
By Kaitlin Kaiser — Written on Oct 10, 2019
October 10th is World Mental Health Day! It is a day when we recognize that one in four people in the world suffer from mental health disorders.
When people talk about mental health disorders, some of them are likely talking about depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
The first record of observance of World Mental Health day was documented in 1992, where communities all over the world got together to try to improve the mental health of its people, in hopes to improve the general quality of life of its people. In 1994, themes were added in hopes to organize the fight and hopefully greatly improve specific recourses and stigmas. The first theme was “Improving the Quality of mental health services throughout the world.”
This year’s theme for World Mental Health day is “Working together to prevent suicide.”
The hope is that if we all come together to open lines of communication and remove the stigma that surrounds mental health disorders, we can discourage the impulse of suicide, and encourage each other to search for peace in their community.
If you are interested in observing mental health day, here is a list of ways you can participate.
1. Look online for local community outreach programs and free mental health services.
To participate World Mental Health Day, look to your community for free services they offer in observance of the holiday. There are mental health seminars, free mental health screenings, walk-a-thons, marathons and conferences. This is a time to embrace your community.
2. Practice some self-care and do something that makes you happy.
You can celebrate World Mental Health day by practicing some self-care! Go to the store and splurge on your favorite bath bomb. Buy your favorite tub of ice cream, or favorite bottle of wine. Get yourself a new outfit that makes you feel beautiful. Take yourself out to dinner. Lay out by the pool and finally start that book you’ve been putting off. Find something, even just one activity, that stills you. You work hard so give yourself a treat and do something that makes you feel confident, happy and comfortable.
3. Check in with your friends.
While we are all slowly becoming more open minded about mental health, it is still a very vulnerable thing to talk about for those that are suffering. Make sure you check in with your friends, especially if you have a friend who suffers from depression, anxiety or something similar. Let them know that you have an ear to lend.
4. Take time out of your day to meditate.
Find moments of peace in your day to check in with yourself. Remember that even if you don’t have a mental health disorder that you still need to take time to focus on finding calm within yourself to meditate and relax.
Everyday stress, while easy to bury in your brain, has ways of effecting not only your ability to relax but your sleep, your appearance, and most importantly your health. It is important to take time to pause and relax your mind.
5. Spread a little love around.
This day is one of the most important days to spread love. You never know the effect your presence can have on someone.
Be kind to the girl who is going to make your coffee this morning, smile at the people you pass on the street, leave a nice tip, give someone a compliment. Work hard to be a beacon of love, today and everyday, for you don’t know the influence you might have on someone else’s life.
6. Remember that you are worth it, and tell yourself that throughout the day.
Remember, that everyone is worthy of respect, kindness and love. So respect your community. Be kind to your community. Love your community. You are worthy of respect. You are worthy of kindness. You are worthy of love.
So, respect yourself. Be kind to yourself. Love yourself.
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Kaitlin Kaiser is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationship topics.