The World Health Organization designated October 10 as World Mental health day to raise awareness concerning mental health issues around the world. There are other days surrounding mental health. Since 1949, May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. However, this is the one day that brings awareness to people worldwide not just on a state and national level.
The day was first set aside in 1992 in more than 150 countries to bring awareness through mental health education and to promote advocacy against the disease.
There are more than 450 million people who suffer from some form of the sickness. Just because there is no one with the disease in your family or among your friends, don't think you can't do something to help in some way.
What you can do
According to The Daily Dot, there are at least five things everyone can do to help. One of the first things you can do is to get educated about the sickness. This will help you recognize when someone is depressed or suffering from something much more serious. The late actress Carrie Fisher who suffered from Mental illness said when a person knows about the disease, he is better able to help family members and friends who have it.
Secondly, people can become advocates for wellness programs in their workplace, church or community.
There are many programs available if they are requested from authorized agencies. Thirdly, there is something everyone can do, and it doesn't take much effort to do it. Everyone can practice kindness. Being kind to those who are sick is one way to show your support to them which might be all they need at the time.
Fourthly, you can offer support to loved ones and friends by including them in your life instead of isolating them.
This will make the person feel that he is worthy instead of being isolated and alone. A fifth thing that The Daily Dot suggested is that everyone can speak out about the disease. When people speak out about mental illness, it becomes less of a stigma. World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity for those health issues to be addressed instead of being hidden.
Conclusion
Don't think when October 10 is over, there is no need to continue being aware of the illness. Mental illness is an ongoing issue among people. The person in the cubicle next to you at work might be suffering to some extent. The person sitting beside you in the pew at church might be dealing with issues you don't know about. Notice those around you and don't wait until something terrible happens and then it is blamed on mental illness.