World Mental Health Month takes place this October and October 10^th marks World Mental Health Day.

The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) started this mental health awareness campaign in 1992 and it is being celebrated yearly since. World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about global mental health issues and creates the opportunity for people to call for action and advocate for change in mental health.

Every year the World Federation for Mental Health sets a theme for World Mental Health Day, this year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’.

This year’s World Mental Health Day celebration coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the foundation of the the WFMH in 1948.

1948 was an important year for human rights because the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948 by the United Nations Assembly.

However, despite all efforts by international organisations, governments, institutions and other agencies, mental health discrimination, harmful stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace still persist. The same prevents healthy relationships, social interactions and inclusive environments needed for the wellbeing of all members of society and presents barriers to the enjoyment of full wellbeing for all, especially those with mental health challenges.

The 2023 World Mental Health Day theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” provides us with the opportunity for us to have courageous conversations and connect with others and to promote and improve mental health. This year’s theme highlights that all the individuals have the right to enjoy the highest attainable standards of mental health.

Mental Health Ireland have chosen to extend the campaign and theme to the whole of October. We are working in co-production to launch a World Mental Health Month programme that ensures mental health and wellbeing become a priority for us across the country.

We can all play a role in increasing our awareness of mental health, to have open conversations about mental health and in reducing the stigma attached. This campaign provides the ultimate opportunity for us all to build mental health awareness, united as one.

Mental Health Ireland was founded in 1966. Our Mission is to promote and enhance mental health and wellbeing and to create a culture where we are all respected and supported, especially when our mental health is challenged.

We are governed by a Board of Directors, who come from a range of different backgrounds, specialisms and experiences. The Board are supported and informed by Governance and Finance Committees. Our Head Office team are based in Dún Laoghaire in Co. Dublin. This is where our CEO, Deputy CEO, Chief Operations Officer, Finance, Communications, Fundraising, Mental Health Promotion, Education, Training, & e-Mental Health, Human Resources, and Administration team members are based.

We have 10 Development Officers across the country who link with our network of Mental Health Associations, volunteers and community groups, promoting mental health and supporting recovery in their communities. Mental Health Ireland are now also the employer of people working in recovery education and peer led community services across the country. The team members work in a variety of different settings including Recovery Education Services, Mental Health Services, Involvement Centres and Peer Led community services.

A national survey of 1,002 adults living in Ireland conducted on behalf of Mental Health Ireland by B&A for World Mental Health Day showed that 88 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed that mental health is a universal human right.

The survey showed that two thirds of people (67%) believe that Ireland is making positive steps towards having a more diverse and representative society. More than 80% of survey respondents believe diversity and representation can increase creativity and opportunities for development in our society.

However, according to the survey, 1 in 8 people (13%) experience discrimination and 1 in 6 people (16%) feel they are limited in being able to get a job or keep one because of discrimination due to having mental or physical ill health.

The survey showed that 3 in 5 people have personal lived experience of mental health challenges. While a quarter of people have experience of mental health challenges and in also supporting family members or friends.

The findings also indicate that people with personal lived experience, and those with both personal and family or friend experience of mental health challenges are more affected than people who have no experience when it comes to their social inclusion.