World Mental Health Day October 10th
World Mental Health Day October 10th World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October annually as an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. This year has been like no other as people around the globe have had to adapt to a new way of living as the Covid -19 pandemic swept from country to country. It has been a difficult year for everyone but particularly for those who live with mental health illness, their families, friends and carers.
Lockdown and the restrictions imposed throughout the year have provided new challenges of isolation and anxiety, many people have had changes in their work life and are faced with uncertainty’s amid the outbreak. This pandemic has put new pressures on every one of us through new ways of working, increased isolation and lack of social contact sometimes with our nearest and dearest. All placing new pressures our individual mental health well-being.
The theme for this year is ‘Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access’, together we can promote better awareness by offering help to your community, friends, family members and colleagues. Look out for signs of distress and uncharacteristic behaviour such as social withdrawal, excessive quietness, irritability, uncharacteristic outburst, talking about death or suicide. Reaching out to talk to those who we may feel might be vulnerable. Many people want to help, but don’t know how, simply let them know that you’re there for them.
Join us in a prayer to mark the day:
Loving God, we pray today for those who are confronted by the sadness,
ambiguity and confusion of mental illness, and for those upon whom they
depend for attention and compassionate care. Look with mercy on all
whose afflictions bring them weakness, distress, confusion or isolation.
Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give to them understanding
helpers and the willingness to accept help. We ask this in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
