World Mental Health Day

Mental health is the level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness. It is the state of someone who is "functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adjustment".

World Mental Health Day, observed on 10th October, is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This year, the theme is suicide prevention. Every year close to 800 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout life and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally.

On this day, we call on the community to help us:
-improve awareness of the significance of suicide as a global public health problem;
-improve knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide;
-reduce the stigma associated with suicide; and let people who are struggling know that they are not alone.

Put simply, this is an opportunity to show you care.

Key facts:
1. Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide.
2. Suicides are preventable
3. A prior suicide attempt is a critical risk factor for suicide
4. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 15-29
5. Suicide affects people of all age groups in all countries.

-World Health Organisation