World Mental Health Day: What is the theme for 2024? Know History, Meaning and More | Health

World Mental Health Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, promoting mental health education and fighting the stigma surrounding mental health. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the event highlights the importance of mental wellbeing for individuals, communities and workplaces. The day serves as a platform for mental health advocates and organizations to discuss their efforts and explore what further steps are needed to ensure mental health care is accessible to everyone in the world. From history to meaning, here's everything you need to know. (Also read: Do you think mental health only happens in your head? This study shows what a big role your body plays )

Date and theme of World Mental Health Day 2024

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 every year. According to WHO, the theme for 2024 is “Mental Health at Work”. This theme highlights the critical role that mental health and wellbeing plays in the workplace, benefiting not only individuals but also organizations and communities as a whole.

History of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was first celebrated on October 10, 1992 at the initiative of Deputy Secretary-General Richard Hunter. Originally, until 1994, the day focused largely on promoting mental health advocacy and public education without a specific theme. In 1994, for the first time, the theme of the day was “Improving the quality of mental health services worldwide,” as proposed by Secretary-General Eugene Brody.

The World Health Organization (WHO) actively supports World Mental Health Day by raising awareness of mental health issues. Through its strong partnerships with ministries of health and civil society organizations worldwide, WHO helps raise awareness and develop technical and communications materials to advance mental health initiatives worldwide.

Importance of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day aims to prioritize mental health on a global level. It promotes open conversations about mental wellbeing and promotes initiatives that support mental health care. Each year a theme is chosen to highlight different aspects of mental health, raise awareness of mental illness and emphasize its importance. This day plays a critical role in reducing stigma and motivating individuals to seek help, thereby creating a more supportive and understanding environment for mental health issues.