World Mental Health Day – October 10th

World Mental Health Day – October 10th

Today, we shine a much-needed spotlight on mental health—a critical part of our well-being that affects every aspect of our lives. From personal relationships to professional achievements and community resilience, mental health plays a foundational role. Shockingly, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders are projected to cost the global economy $16 trillion by 2030 due to lost productivity, highlighting the profound connection between mental well-being and societal progress. https://www.projecthope.org/news-stories/story/the-global-mental-health-crisis-10-numbers-to-note/

As we unite globally to raise awareness, it's crucial to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health—if not more so. After all, our mental state influences our emotional well-being and deeply affects our physical health. It’s time to give mental well-being the attention it truly deserves.

Contents

1. The Significance of Mental Health: Why This Day Matters, Statistics on Mental Health, The Importance of Mental Health
2. Advocacy and Awareness: Famous Advocates for Mental Health, Successful Initiatives
3. Mental Health Across Lifespan: Mental Health Among Children, The Impact of Criticism on Mental Health, Navigating Criticism and Negative Comments
4. Strategies for Well-Being: The Role of Active Listening in Mental Health, The Power of Mindfulness for Mental Health, Building Community Bonding, Simple Steps to Care for Your Mental Health, Navigating Social Media to Protect Mental Health
5. Closing Thoughts

Why This Day Matters

• Mental health is a global issue: It impacts people across all regions—Asia, Europe, and the USA—regardless of age or background.
• Widespread concern: Mental health issues have escalated, particularly in the wake of recent global challenges, such as the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social unrest.
• Breaking the stigma: Open conversations and support systems are crucial to addressing the mental health crisis.

Statistics on Mental Health

• Around 1 in 4 people globally will experience mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• In Asia, approximately 20% of the population suffers from mental health issues.
• In Europe, 25% of people experience mental health conditions each year.
• In the USA, more than 20% of adults deal with mental illness annually—around 52.9 million people.
• In Africa, mental health conditions account for about 13% of the total burden of disease.
• In Australia, nearly 45% of people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their life.

The Importance of Mental Health

• Global issue: Mental health challenges impact millions across the world.
• Rising concerns: With recent crises, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues have soared, affecting millions around the world.
• Breaking the stigma: Open conversations and support are critical to breaking the silence and helping people heal.

Famous Advocates for Mental Health

• Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand's Prime Minister): She has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety, encouraging people to focus on their mental health.
• Indra Nooyi (Former CEO of PepsiCo): Nooyi emphasizes mental well-being in leadership, highlighting its importance in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Barack Obama (Former US President): Obama consistently promotes mental health awareness, urging people to seek help when needed.
• Richard Branson (Founder of Virgin Group): Branson is an advocate for workplace mental health, recognizing the value of employee well-being in corporate success.

Mental Health Among Children

Let Our Children Pursue Their Passions!

It is equally important for children to have the freedom to explore their passions as it is for them to receive formal education. Studies show that engaging in activities that align with personal interests can significantly enhance emotional and mental well-being. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 80% of children who actively pursue their hobbies show improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Supporting children in discovering and nurturing their interests is key to fostering a balanced and fulfilled life.

Mental health struggles:

• 10-20% of children and adolescents globally experience mental disorders, with half of all conditions starting by age 14.
• In South Asia, 20-25% of adolescents report mental health issues, with suicide being the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29, according to a study by The Lancet.
• In North Asia, particularly in countries like Japan and South Korea, the youth suicide rate is among the highest globally. In Japan, 15% of adolescents report severe anxiety and depression, while in South Korea, 10% of children suffer from mental health issues, primarily linked to academic pressure and social isolation.
• In the USA, nearly 5.8 million children suffer from anxiety, while 2.7 million are diagnosed with depression.
• In Europe, approximately 16.3% of children and adolescents face mental health issues.
• 43% of US teens report that social media has negatively affected their mental health.

The Impact of Criticism on Mental Health

One critical factor affecting mental health is the experience of criticism or negative comments, especially on social media. Research indicates that 72% of young adults report that they have been negatively impacted by criticism online. This negativity can often reflect underlying personal issues in the individual making the comments.

Navigating Criticism and Negative Comments

Dealing with criticism, especially in a public or social context, requires resilience and a healthy mindset. One approach is to actively filter the feedback, separating constructive criticism from mere negativity. Research from the University of California suggests that individuals who focus on constructive feedback and build resilience through mindfulness techniques are 60% more likely to maintain a positive mental state in challenging environments.

The Power of Constructive Criticism

It’s essential to recognize that criticism, when constructive, can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that 92% of employees believe that constructive feedback, when delivered correctly, improves performance and well-being.

Successful Initiatives

• The UK’s "Mental Health in Schools" Program: Helps teachers identify early signs of distress in students and provides training to promote mental well-being in educational settings. Source: Mental Health in Schools - UK Government
• Australia’s "KidsMatter" Program: Promotes mental well-being through education, early intervention, and family support, aiming to improve the mental health of students. Source: KidsMatter - Beyond Blue
• Japan’s School-Based Mental Health Initiatives: Focus on creating safe environments where students can openly discuss their emotions and seek support. Source: Mental Health Promotion in Schools - Japan

The Role of Active Listening in Mental Health

Active listening plays a vital role in supporting mental health. Research shows that empathetic listening can have profound effects on emotional well-being. A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that active listening significantly improves feelings of social connection and reduces loneliness.

• 71% of individuals reported feeling more connected and valued after being actively listened to, according to a study by the International Journal of Listening.
• Active listening can decrease stress levels by 23%, according to research published by the Harvard Business Review.

Sources:

• Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin: Active Listening and Social Connection
• Harvard Business Review: Active Listening Reduces Stress

The Power of Mindfulness for Mental Health

Mindfulness is increasingly recognized for its mental health benefits. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that practicing mindfulness can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by up to 58%. Mindfulness-based interventions are proven to enhance emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience.

Statistics and Benefits

• A meta-analysis by JAMA Internal Medicine showed that mindfulness meditation programs improved symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain by 20-30%.
• In a study from Mindful Schools, 87% of students who practiced mindfulness reported a stress reduction, and 45% reported increased emotional regulation.

Sources:

• American Psychological Association (APA): Mindfulness and Mental Health
• JAMA Internal Medicine: Mindfulness Meditation for Anxiety and Depression

Building Community Bonding

Strong connections help reduce stress and boost emotional resilience. Building community ties fosters a sense of belonging, providing critical support during mental health challenges. Communities with a strong sense of togetherness are better equipped to support one another through mental health crises.

Simple Steps to Care for Your Mental Health

• Limit negative content: Be mindful of what you consume online.
• Practice mindfulness and self-care: Incorporate activities like meditation, exercise, or hobbies into your routine.
• Build strong connections: Stay close to family, friends, and community members.
• Seek help when needed: Speaking to a professional can make a huge difference.
• Spread kindness: Both online and in person, your positive actions can uplift others.

Navigating Social Media to Protect Mental Health

Tip: Control Your Social Media Engagement To protect your mental health, be mindful of your social media usage. Set limits on the time spent on platforms, curate your feed by unfollowing accounts that promote negativity or unrealistic standards, and engage in positive communities. Consider taking regular breaks from social media to reconnect with real-life interactions and activities that promote well-being.

Research indicates that around 13% of individuals attribute their mental health issues directly to social media use. A study found that excessive social media usage is associated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescents.

A reminder

Mental health has caused many to sacrifice their childhood, family, and work. Let us take those lessons and rebuild our mental health today. If you haven't already, now is the time to take that first step. Let us lead by example for the future generation. Living in crisis has become our new way of life—this cannot be sustainable. Let us make the effort to give ourselves the awareness and strength to build our mental health, as well as the mental well-being of our communities.

Together, we can create a future where mental health is prioritized, supported, and celebrated. Mental health is a journey, not a destination. We need to prioritize our well-being and seek help when needed. We all face challenges, and it’s okay not to be okay. Speak up, seek support, and remember that you are not alone.

“Embracing an inclusive culture could be a game changer; being different can not be a reason for criticism, but a path to connection and growth towards a sustainable future.”💚

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO). Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response
• UNICEF. The State of the World’s Children 2021
• Pew Research Center. Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018
• American Psychological Association (APA). “Engagement in hobbies and mental health among children and adolescents.”
• Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health.”
• Harvard Business Review. “The Power of Constructive Criticism in the Workplace.”
• The Lancet. Mental Health in South Asia: https://www.thelancet.com/mental-health-south-asia
• World Health Organization (WHO). Mental Health in Japan: https://www.who.int/japan/mental-health
• Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA). Adolescent Mental Health in South Korea: https://www.kihasa.re.kr/en/mental-health

#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness #BeAnExample #CommunityCare #LeadByExample #SupportMentalHealth