Mental health is a universal human right
Verified by Dr. Rituparna Ghosh, Consultant Psychology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day set by the World Foundation of Mental Health is ‘Mental health is a universal human right”. This theme acknowledges that mental health is a priority for every human and raising awareness about it to protect everyone’s mental health without any stigma is of prime importance and a universal human right.
Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to nurture mental wellness daily, the right to avail accessible and good quality care and the right to independence and inclusion in the community.
What are the benefits of good mental health?
- Good mental health allows us to cope with challenges, connect with others and thrive throughout our lives. It’s vital and deserves to be recognised and respected.
- Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally irrespective of any age group are living with mental health conditions which can impact their physical health and their livelihoods.
You might know your mind – but do you know your rights? Every person’s mind is wonderful, complex and different. But our rights are the same. Discrimination, stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace prevent healthy relationships, social interactions and the inclusive environments needed for the well-being of all members of the society. This year’s theme will highlight a range of issues to the stakeholders and global citizens to work together to ensure that we have a clear message to support World Mental Health Day 2023 on 10th October.
Spreading Mental Health Awareness
- Acceptance
- Talk about mental health more openly
- Break the stigma
- Let go off the taboos
- Share mental health screening sites on social media channels
Working towards mental wellness
- Exercise for 30 minutes every day
- Read often and read widely
- Boost your levels of vitamin B
- Take time to relax
- Take up a new hobby
- Actively manage your health
- Engage in stimulating conversations
- Spend time with people whose company you enjoy
- Practice gratitude
- Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and boundaries
- Acknowledge your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
- Set realistic goals
- Express yourself
Mental Health Resolutions
Every year beginning pledge and follow these to keep your Mind Healthy: –
- I will commit myself to being physically active each day
- I will resolve to be mentally healthy in this year
- I will learn to relax and enjoy life
- Diligently speak nice about yourself and treat yourself with respect
- Stay mindful and in the moment
- Act instead of React
- Refrain from self-labels
- I will strive to become the person I want to be
- Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed
Let’s talk about Mental Health because the more we talk about it, the more we encourage others to say, “I am not OK, I need help”!! And that will pave the pathway and journey towards working on mental wellness.
Connect with our expert, Dr. Rituparna Ghosh, Consultant Psychology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.