Promoting Mental Health in Our Communities for World Mental Health Day

We believe mental health is a universal human right. Prioritizing mental health worldwide means fostering happier individuals, contributing to stronger communities, and ultimately building a healthier, more harmonious society.

This is the message at the heart of this year’s World Mental Health Day.

As we know, World Mental Health Day was created as a way to raise awareness of the global issues surrounding mental health and drive positive changes.

We see October 10 as a way of promoting mental health within our own community and encouraging others to do the same in theirs. Let’s examine a few ways we can continue to promote this message right where we are.

Changing vocabulary, changing minds

Promoting mental health in our community doesn’t always involve massive campaigns or large events. It can be as simple as changing the way we speak about mental health. Don’t use words that perpetuate stereotypes. Without much effort, we can eliminate sentences tossed around casually, such as “That makes me crazy!” or “The heat is driving me insane!”

When we watch our words and remind others to do the same, we are already raising awareness and promoting mental health to those around us.

Connection is the key

The feeling of belonging is an important key to promoting mental health. When we reach out in positive ways, we are creating lines of communication that people can rely on when they need a support system. Regularly calling, texting, visiting or jumping on a video call are all ways to diminish feelings of isolation and create connection with members of our own community.

Once these bonds are strengthened, people can start opening up and sharing what they are feeling on a deeper level. It’s hard to be vulnerable to others, but it’s a way for everyone to feel that they are being heard and understood.

Give some time to promoting mental health

Volunteering and mentorship are important ways to promote mental health in the community. Working with youth will ensure that the next generation is more emotionally literate. Visiting those who cannot leave their homes can really boost their mental wellness.

You don’t need to give a lot of time to make a major difference.

Reach out to local government

Change needs to begin with elected officials who can pass laws that will promote mental health. If they know their constituents prioritize mental health, they will also prioritize it. Global change begins in our own communities.

At Lynn Valley Counselling, we believe that mental health IS a universal human right. We should all care about that. This October 10, let’s work together in promoting mental health in our communities.