Remember: World Mental Health Day
TOMORROW is World Mental Health Day, and it provides an opportunity for everyone to talk about mental health issues and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a normal thing for people worldwide.
Every year, the objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017 is “Mental health in the workplace” and the purpose is to recognise that during our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work, making the workplace one of the factors that determine our overall well-being.
As such, employers and managers are being encouraged to institute workplace initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental disorders, which will result in gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity at work.
The WHO said depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work, and to work productively.
The WHO reports that globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability, and more than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders, many of whom live with both.
Further, a recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.
Remember, mental health matters. Start the conversation to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
