How to Celebrate World Mental Health Day

Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being.

And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “mental health is a universal human right”.

Which is why World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10, to help raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Here are a few things you can do to celebrate this day:

1. Volunteer. Your help can make a difference, whether it’s donating to a nonprofit organization or signing up at a crisis hotline. Even taking time to visit shut-ins in a nursing home can brighten someone’s day.

2. Learn more about your own mental health. Take an online mental health screening, talk to a therapist, or keep a journal. Learning about our own mental health can be an enlightening and empowering experience.

3. Be mindful of the news you consume. Let’s face it — it can seem like a big, scary world out there. Especially according to all the various news outlets. While it’s important to stay current with what’s happening in the world, it’s also important to consume the news responsibly. Be mindful of what you can and can’t control, like the off button on the TV.

4. Take a mental health day. Approximately 50% of workers don’t use all of their PTO. Before reaching the point of burnout, remember to take time away from work, whether a few hours or a few days. This can help improve mental wellbeing, as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

5. Do random acts of kindness. These small things can boost the release of all the “feel good” hormones, which improve your mood and overall wellbeing. Make someone’s day by giving a stranger a compliment, taking a task of your coworker’s plate, or paying for someone else’s parking meter.

6. Get together with friends. Friendships have a huge impact on our mental health and well-being. Good friends relieve stress, provide comfort, and prevent isolation (plus provide lots of laughs). Call up your besties or friends you haven’t seen in a while and go out for coffee, lunch, or just run errands together. You’ll be glad you did.

7. Know and share resources. Most workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can provide information on accessing confidential counseling and support services. Or check out this site for a comprehensive list of support services.

Remember, mental health is an ongoing journey. It’s more than just one day, but today is a good day to start that journey.