World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10th, offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness about mental health on a global scale. This year, the day takes on even greater significance as the 2024 theme, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”, brings critical attention to the importance of mental wellbeing in professional settings.
History of World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day 2024 was first established on October 10, 1992, by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). Its founding aim was to raise awareness about mental health issues and drive global action toward improving mental health support systems. Since its inception, World Mental Health Day has grown into a powerful platform, bringing together governments, organisations, and individuals to create initiatives that promote mental health care across the world. Over the years, this annual event has gained momentum, evolving into a catalyst for change, encouraging collaborative efforts to address the most pressing mental health challenges facing societies today.
Through strategic partnerships with various global entities, World Mental Health Day has played an essential role in advancing critical mental health agendas. It’s a day when the international community comes together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for mental health policies that benefit everyone. Each year, the event takes on a specific theme, focusing on different aspects of mental health care, from suicide prevention to workplace wellbeing.
You can learn more about the history and impact of World Mental Health Day by visiting the official World Mental Health Day website.
Why Workplace Mental Health Matters
Workplaces are a central part of many people’s lives, making them a crucial environment for promoting mental health. Employees face pressures and challenges daily, from deadlines to managing work-life balance. Yet, mental health remains a topic that is often overlooked or under-prioritised in many organisations. The global theme for 2024, set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), shines a spotlight on the need for workplace environments where mental health is prioritised, protected, and actively promoted.
The statistics around mental health in the workplace highlight the urgency of this issue:
- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019.
- Depression and anxiety lead to the loss of an estimated 12 billion working days globally every year, costing the global economy US$ 1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
These staggering figures underline why it’s crucial for businesses to take proactive steps in supporting their teams’ mental health.
How to Support Mental Health in the Workplace
Investing in your team’s mental health has wide-ranging benefits, including boosting morale, reducing absenteeism, and creating a more inclusive, supportive workplace. Here are some strategies your organisation can adopt to promote mental health:
- Promote Open Communication: Encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges without fear of judgment.
- Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Offering mental health resources, including counselling or access to mental health first aiders, shows employees that their well-being matters.
- Offer Training: Educate staff and management on recognising the signs of mental health struggles, creating a supportive environment.
- Implement Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Flexible working hours or remote work options can ease the pressure on employees juggling personal and professional responsibilities.
- Host Workshops or Webinars: Offer training sessions on mental health awareness, stress management, or resilience building to empower employees with practical skills to manage their well-being.
- Establish Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Ensure that employees have access to confidential support for mental health concerns, whether it’s counselling, therapy, or helplines.
Ways to Celebrate World Mental Health Day in Your Workplace
World Mental Health Day 2024 presents the perfect opportunity for organisations to show their employees that their mental wellbeing is a priority. Here are some creative ways to celebrate and promote mental health awareness on October 10th:
Host a Mental Health Awareness Event
Organise a company-wide event, whether in-person or virtual, to highlight the importance of mental health in the workplace. Invite guest speakers or mental health experts to discuss common challenges and solutions.Encourage Mental Health Breaks
On World Mental Health Day, promote mental health breaks by offering extended break times for employees to relax, meditate, or take a walk. Consider hosting mindfulness or meditation sessions during the workday.Create a Safe Space for Mental Health Conversations
Set up informal discussion groups where employees can openly talk about mental health. Creating a judgment-free environment will encourage employees to seek support when needed.Share Personal Stories
Encourage employees to share personal stories or testimonials about their mental health journeys. Personal stories can reduce stigma and inspire others to seek help or open up about their own challenges.Distribute Mental Health Resources
Share guides, toolkits, or resources on mental health topics, such as managing stress, practicing self-care, or seeking professional help. Use World Mental Health Day as a launchpad to promote mental health awareness year-round.Send a Positive Message from Leadership
Acknowledge World Mental Health Day through a message from leadership, expressing the company’s commitment to supporting employee mental well-being. This can reinforce the importance of mental health as a business priority.
How Can IAMH Support You on World Mental Health Day 2024?
This World Mental Health Day, IAMH can support you by providing comprehensive mental health first aid training tailored to your organisation’s unique needs. With a focus on global consistency and cultural awareness, IAMH equips employees with the skills to support both their own mental wellbeing and that of their colleagues worldwide. Through standardised resources and a commitment to inclusive, non-westernised approaches, IAMH ensures that mental health support is accessible, relevant, and effective across all territories.
IAMH Mental Health Awareness Course
If you’re looking for an introductory course that raises awareness of mental health within your organisation, our Mental Health Awareness course is the perfect option. Our introductory course can be delivered both online and face-to-face in any language and region and is a total of two hours in length.
This session offers a broad overview of mental health, highlighting common conditions and the importance of education and understanding. Attendees will explore prevalent mental health conditions and learn how to identify signs of mental health concerns in others and themselves. The session will also equip attendees with the skills to challenge stigma and the confidence to support someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue or in distress.
We will cover:
- What is Mental Health?
- Mental Health Conditions
- Identifying Risk Factors and Signs
- Barriers and Stigma
- Starting a Conversation
- Self-Care and Healthy Habits
- Signposting
Everyone who completes the course will receive a certificate of attendance and accompanying resources to takeaway.
To find out more about this session, contact our team today.
