The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10th October every year. World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
You may see people wearing green ribbons, which are the international sign of mental health awareness. You can wear a green ribbon to show your support for the cause and use the hashtag #pinitformentalhealth.
You can also show your support for Mental Health Day by spreading the word, which helps to remove the stigma surrounding mental health. You can provide a kind and safe place to listen to others and start important conversations with your loved ones, as well as donating and raising awareness for charities that work to combat mental health issues.
The Covid-19 pandemic has directly impacted many people’s mental health and has significantly disrupted mental health services, meaning there is no better time to be educated about the cause. Governments around the world have recognised the need to improve access to and the quality of mental health services at all levels.
What is Mental Health?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.’’
Mental health affects a large percentage of our population, the NHS states that one-in-four adults and one-in-ten children experience mental illness during their lifetime! This is an important reminder that if you struggle with mental illness, you are not alone.
This Year’s World Mental Health Day Theme
This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is 'Mental Health in an Unequal World'. Covid-19 has resulted in widening health, economic and social inequalities and this campaign provides the opportunity to highlight how inequality can be addressed to ensure people are able to enjoy good mental health.
How can North Kent College support you?
North Kent College recognises the importance of well-being and mental health. Studying at college comes with more independence and therefore more responsibility, and life in general can be difficult. A professional and confidential counselling service is available to all students. This service provides 1-1 counselling support to students who feel they have something in their personal life, or college, which is having an impact on their quality of life or education.
To find out more about our student counselling services or to book an appointment, click here.