It’s October: Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Month!
World Mental Health Day was first recognized October 10th, 1992. World Mental Health Day started by the World Health Organization to increase awareness and decrease stigma. Now it is about more than advocacy. It is an opportunity to empower people on a global scale to look after their own mental health and provide support to others. This year’s theme is ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality’. In BC have access to free community services like the Foundry, Crisis Centre and more. However, there are still gaps in care despite the universal nature and the magnitude of mental ill health, the gap between demand for mental health services and supply remains substantial. The serious gaps that still exist in mental health care are a result of chronic under-investment over many decades in mental health promotion, prevention and care. Stigma, discrimination and human rights abuses of people with mental health conditions remain widespread. On average, countries spend just 2% of their national health budgets on mental health. However, there is good news too! Some of the most common mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, can be treated with talking therapies, medication, or a combination of these. For every US$ 1 invested in scaled-up treatment for depression and anxiety, there is a return of US$ 5. For every US$ 1 invested in evidence-based treatment for [substance] dependence, there is a return of up to US$ 7 in reduced crime and criminal justice costs (World Health Organization).
In our district, we are working to build knowledge, strengthen community and reducing barriers for accessing support with: youth and staff driven Mental Health and Wellness Councils, DSAC, Mental Health Literacy embedded in PHE curriculum, a Mental Health Literacy Team and more. If you would like more information, click the link to see a two minute video to see introduction videos to some of our Mental Health Team’s favourite blitzes. If you want to see more check out our full list of blitzes from the drop down menu!
For more resources check out printables for your classroom, teacher resources, parents/guardian resources and student resources. If you have suggestions of helpful resources, and topics to explore for future posts let us know below in the comments.
