World Mental Health Day 2023 highlights
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Oct 11, 2023, 12:10:20 IST
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World Mental Health Day 2023 highlights

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th each year, serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue, reducing stigma, and advocating for improved mental health care worldwide. Indian government's helpline service, Tele MANAS, received 3.4 lakh calls since its launch in October 2022 and as per reports every three out of four callers belong to the 18-45 age group.As we navigate a rapidly changing world, the importance of mental resilience cannot be overstated. It refers to our ability to adapt to adversity, cope with stress, and bounce back from setbacks. In today's dynamic environment, with its uncertainties and pressures, cultivating mental resilience is not just desirable; it's essential. Prioritizing self-care is foundational to mental resilience. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking support when needed, and practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques. Erasing stigma begins with open, honest conversations about mental health. By sharing our experiences and offering support to others, we contribute to a culture of understanding and compassion. Access to mental health services should be equitable and readily available to all. Advocacy efforts can help ensure that mental health care is a fundamental part of healthcare systems worldwide.
21:57 (IST) Oct 10
Ali Fazal shares a video on mental health

"God i spoke for too long it seems.. people don’t have patience to listen but i hope i get something across," Khufiya actor Ali Fazal shared a video.

Watch the video here

21:53 (IST) Oct 10
Arju Kapoor posts about toxic positivity
On World Mental Health Day, actor Arjun Kapoor has posted a story on Instagram about toxic positvity and why it is right to not follow it. "Not every shitty circumstance needs a positive silver lining," the post he shared says.
21:51 (IST) Oct 10
"Laugh, live , love & make others laugh too"
"Laugh, live , love & make others laugh too"

Actor Kajol has shared a thoughtful message on World Mental Health Day. "Laugh, live , love & make others laugh too.. Do your bit of kindness in a day because you never know which soul is watching you, just waiting for some evidence of the goodness of humanity and human beings.. You may just save someone’s sanity by showing them that kindness and compassion exist," she has captioned a beautiful picture of her smiling.

17:06 (IST) Oct 10
Crying is weakness: This and other myths around mental health debunked

Unfortunately, there are several myths and stigmas around the concept of mental health – both on the individual and society level. On this World Mental Health Day 2023, several mental health experts shared common myths with Etimes Lifestyle, and offered facts to replace them with.

Read more

16:37 (IST) Oct 10
Signs you have anxiety and should see a therapist
04:10
16:01 (IST) Oct 10
15 percent of working-age adults lived with a mental disorder in 2019
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 15 percent of working-age adults lived with a mental disorder in 2019, and 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety alone. International SOS Assistance Centre has already seen a 5 percent increase in the number of requests for assistance related to mental illness during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Poor working environments, including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control, and job insecurity all pose a risk to mental health. Without effective support, mental illness can impact an individual’s capacity to work productively, absences, and the ease with which they can retain or gain work.
15:27 (IST) Oct 10
Actor Neha Dhupia reveals of a family drama series
"At this crucial juncture, it is imperative that we address this issue through the narratives we present. Our aim is to effect positive change, and I assure you that this project will stimulate greater dialogue surrounding mental health. I am genuinely thrilled to be part of this endeavour," the actor told IANS. The untitled project promises to be a compelling journey that explores the intricacies of mental health conditions, offering viewers a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by those affected.
15:07 (IST) Oct 10
World Mental Health Day 2023: Do not ignore kids

When children are mentally healthy, it means they are reaching their developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills. They should also be able to learn how to cope when there are problems.

Read more

14:03 (IST) Oct 10
Signs your loved one is battling depression
01:17
13:51 (IST) Oct 10
Shark Tank 3 judge Namita Thapar pens beautiful poem on mental health
Shark Tank 3 judge Namita Thapar pens beautiful poem on mental health

Today is World Mental Health Day. Lucky to have a mentor who taught me the power of 1) silence 2) nature 3) yoga to heal & to build a kinder, more loving core. This is a poem written while trekking during a solo trip to Dehradun, one of my favourite places in the world (it’s called Devbhoomi for a reason:) Goal of today’s post is to emphasize to all of you - You are precious, commit to self love :): Namita has captioned her social media post on World Mental Health Day.

13:50 (IST) Oct 10
Are you having the right kind of diet?

Food is important for the body as well as for the mind. To nourish your brain, you need to have the right kind of nutrition. One of the key aspects of mental health is good food. The right food can keep you stable mentally, can help in making the right decisions and can your cognitive health the right boost. Here are 5 foods you need to avoid for a good a mental health.

Read here

13:26 (IST) Oct 10
Actor Aamir Khan, daughter post video on World Mental Health Day
Actor Aamir Khan, daughter post video on World Mental Health Day

“Zindagi mein aise bahut saare kaam hai jo hum khud nahi kar paate. Jisme humme kisi aur vyakti ki madad lagti hai, jo yeh kaam jaantahai," the actor has said. In the video, the father-daughter duo have spoken about mental health and have urged to not self medicate and instead take professional help. Watch the video here

13:22 (IST) Oct 10
1 in 8 people live with a #mentalhealth condition: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization
1 in 8 people live with a #mentalhealth condition: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization

1 in 8 people live with a #mentalhealth condition. Yet, far too many people cannot access quality mental health care. On #WorldMentalHealthDay, @WHO calls for mental health to be respected as a human right. There is no health without mental health, WHO Chief has tweeted.

13:09 (IST) Oct 10
"There should be no inhibitions about seeking help": Samantha Ruth Prabhu
"There should be no inhibitions about seeking help": Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has always been vocal about mental health issues. At an event last year, she spoke about dealing with mental health struggles. “There should be no inhibitions about seeking help when you are mentally disturbed. In my case, I was able to overcome my mental health issues only with the help of my counsellors and friends," she had told the media.

12:46 (IST) Oct 10
Air pollution affects mental health
Pollution in every form damages the health, including the mental health. "Environment changes marked by frequent and extreme weather events such as floods and storms affects mental health," Dr Nand Kumar, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), told IANS.
12:36 (IST) Oct 10
World Mental Health Day 2023: 6 books to help you during bad days
Reading is a therapy. It heals the body and the mind, equally. Here is a list of 6 books that can help you come out of the bad days. Read the list here
12:20 (IST) Oct 10
Every individual is entitled to achieve the highest attainable level of mental well-being: Poonam Khetrapal
On World Mental Health day, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Poonam Khetrapal said that every individual, regardless of their location, occupation, or identity, is entitled to achieve the highest attainable level of mental well-being. This encompasses the entitlement to safeguard oneself from mental health risks, access to mental health care that is readily available, easily accessed, and of high quality, as well as the entitlement to freedom and involvement within their community.
12:05 (IST) Oct 10
Positive quotes on mental health to help you heal
On World Mental Health Day, take a vow to spread happiness all around you. Take a pledge to support your mental health and take care of those who are struggling to take care of their mental health. Read these quotes to help heal yourself
11:48 (IST) Oct 10
'To me, mental health represents a state of emotional and psychological well-being': Jasmin Bhasin
Actor Jasmin Bhasin opened up on mental health and said that good mental health is nurtured through practices such as self-care, seeking support when needed, practising mindfulness, maintaining healthy relationships, and cultivating a positive attitude. “To me, mental health represents a state of emotional and psychological well-being where I can cope with life's challenges, experience a sense of inner peace, and maintain a positive outlook on my overall mental and emotional state," the actor said. (IANS)
11:38 (IST) Oct 10
"Let us find more reasons to smile"
Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan has tweeted on world mental health day. He lays importance on smiling and prioritising mental and emotional health. "Mental health and well-being is a universal human right. Let us find more reasons to smile and prioritise mental, emotional and behavioural wellness. Let us shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness. #BreakTheSilence #WorldMentalHealthDay," he tweets.
11:22 (IST) Oct 10
Long exposure to social media content affects mental health in kids
Bingeing on social media is taking a toll on the mental health of kids. Excessive social media use among university students has been linked to a decline in their mental health, an online survey of 622 university students from China, Taiwan and Malaysia found.
11:15 (IST) Oct 10
"Hope everyone feels great"
"It’s world mental health day. I’m in therapy. It helps me through very dark times. Also, when I eat a bourbon biscuit I pull the biscuit apart and eat the cream slice first, then the non cream slice. Talking about both these things should involve zero stigma, and feel completely normal. Hope everyone feels great," actor Vir Das has tweeted.
11:14 (IST) Oct 10
On mental health day pledge to support those suffering from mental health issues.
'मन' तंदूरस्त तो 'तन' तंदूरस्तOn #WorldMentalHealthDay, let's pledge to support those suffering from mental health issues.I appeal to people in need to come forward & seek help without any hesitation. We are here for you!, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandivya tweeted on World Mental Health Day.
11:04 (IST) Oct 10
Know about government's TeleManas facility, a 24X7 healthcare facility
Tele Manas is the government's mental health care service. One can use toll free numbers-- 14416 and 18008914416 to get in touch with counselors. It was launched on October 10, 2022. It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas. The programme includes a network of 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence, with NIMHANS being the nodal centre and International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) providing technology support.
10:55 (IST) Oct 10
"If anyone is suffering from mental illness, be aware of its symptoms": Punjab CM
On World Mental Health Day, Punjab Government led by Chief Minister @BhagwantMann , appeals to everyone that if anyone is suffering from mental illness, be aware of its symptoms, get treatment and talk about it openly with your family, the CM's office has tweeted.
10:54 (IST) Oct 10
"I’ve been looking for a therapist for AGES!"
"Somehow, I’ve always looked for healing in more esoteric ways… I’ve been convinced that deep healing can only come if you look at it spiritually, through karmic patterns and inner child work and reclaiming the divine feminine and EFT and accessing the masters for answers," cookbook author, social media influencer Shilarna Vaze has posted on Instagram, captioning a video on World Mental Health Day. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyNCLemK9NC/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
10:43 (IST) Oct 10
World Mental Health Day: Phrases you should never say someone with depression
It is important to pay attention what certain people are going through. Mental health is a serious condition. One must pay attention to themselves and people all around them on this day. Here are few things you should avoid saying to those who are having mental health problems. Read more
10:38 (IST) Oct 10
5 inspiring quotes on mental health

  • “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't.”- John Green, Turtles All the Way Down
  • “To think too much is a disease.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Notes from Underground & The Double
  • “PTSD is a whole-body tragedy, an integral human event of enormous proportions with massive repercussions.” ― Susan Pease Banitt
  • “It is as if my life were magically run by two electric currents: joyous positive and despairing negative - which ever is running at the moment dominates my life, floods it.” ― Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
  • "No need to hurry, no need to sparkle, no need to be anybody but oneself." — Virginia Woolf

10:27 (IST) Oct 10
To ensure a good mental health, you need to avoid habits that damage the brain
Here are a few brain damaging habits that should be avoided. Read more
09:50 (IST) Oct 10
Here's what parents can do to ensure that their kids have a good mental health
Here's what parents can do to ensure that their kids have a good mental health

Mental health is important for all. On World Mental Health Day, UNICEF has released several dos and don'ts on how one should talk to a kid. https://x.com/UN/status/1711592893092405713?s=20

09:38 (IST) Oct 10
New guidance to improve laws addressing human rights abuses in mental health care
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) have jointly launched new guidance, entitled “Mental health, human rights and legislation: guidance and practice”, to support countries in reforming legislation in order to end human rights abuses and increase access to quality mental health care.
09:09 (IST) Oct 10
Mental health care ‘barriers’ must end: António Guterres, Secretary General of the UN
Three in four people suffering from a mental health condition receive inadequate treatment – or none at all – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday, as he urged countries to “break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking support”. The UN chief underlined that mental health is vital to humanity, allowing us to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to our communities.
08:54 (IST) Oct 10
Sadhguru tweets on World Mental Health Day

"Balance, above all, Balance in Life. If you are mentally, physically, and emotionally balanced, you can do everything to the best of your ability," tweets Sadhguru.

https://x.com/SadhguruJV/status/1711578591941832717?s=20

Read the tweet here

08:47 (IST) Oct 10
"Good mental health is everyone's right"
08:30 (IST) Oct 10
Small steps can help improve mental health
Small steps like exercise, mindfulness, healthy foods, and adequate sleep can help improve mental health. On World Mental Health Day, pledge to improve your lifestyle and take good care of your mental health and physical health. Read the tweet here
08:14 (IST) Oct 10
Centre For Brain and Mind to be inaugurated at NIMHANS

Take a look at the Centre For Brain and Mind to be inaugurated tomorrow on #WorldMentalHealthDay at NIMHANS, Union health minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, tweeted on Monday.

Read the tweet here

07:56 (IST) Oct 10
How break up affects mental health
Negative emotions start overpowering and you start becoming a person you are not. But let’s be a bit mindful about life, that life never ends here it’s our mindset that needs to be reset. Life is a journey where people will come and go. We can be mindful of it by giving a thought that this phase you went through must have happened to give you lessons, new learnings and to become more wiser person. Maybe you deserve something better, maybe that person has this much role to play with you in this life journey: Dr Ishina Choudhary, Mental Health Therapist, Counselling Psychologist, Founder: Insight Alchemy. Read more
07:40 (IST) Oct 10
Sedentary lifestyle affects our mental health
With long hours at work, endless screen time, busy schedules, and work-from-home culture, physical activity often takes a backseat. In today's modern world our lifestyle is becoming increasingly sedentary. This impacts our mental health adversely leading to stress depression and anxiety. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important to maintain both physical and mental health: Dr Rishikesh Behere, Consultant psychiatrist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Hinjewadi. Read more
07:24 (IST) Oct 10
Exhibition on mental health issues in Delhi from Oct 11
A week-long art exhibition that attempts to initiate a dialogue and support for those facing mental health issues will be organised in Delhi from October 11. 'Borderline Me' by Taijasi Mishra is a collection of self portraits that attempt to showcase the complex thoughts, turmoil and myriad emotions of the artist, PTI reported.
07:03 (IST) Oct 10
One in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions
As per the data released by the WHO, one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
07:02 (IST) Oct 10
"Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority"
Last year's theme for world mental health day was "Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority". It emphasized on the effect of the pandemic on mental health.
07:01 (IST) Oct 10
Mental health is a basic human right for all
"Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community," says the WHO.
07:01 (IST) Oct 10
"Mental health is a universal human right”
The theme for this year's world mental health day is "mental health is a universal human right."
06:59 (IST) Oct 10
World mental health day is observed on October 10
World mental health day is observed on October 10 every year to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says.