World Mental Health Day 2020: “Mental Health for All”

Team Udayavani, Oct 10, 2020, 11:21 AM IST

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

World Mental Health Day, a programme of the World Federation for Mental Health, was observed for the first time on 10 October 1992.

In 1994, the day was celebrated with a theme of ‘Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.’

This year, to shed light on the alarming rise in mental disorders, the international awareness day will be focusing on “Mental Health for All” and an increased investment in mental health.

According to World Federation for Mental Health, the world is experiencing the unprecedented impact of the current global health emergency due to COVID-19 that has also impacted on the mental health of millions of people.

Thus, the drive for universal health coverage (UHC), is important. Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the quality mental health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship

Mental health is a human right, it is time that mental health is available for all. Quality, accessible primary health care is the foundation for universal health coverage and is urgently required as the world grapples with the current health emergency.