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The coronavirus pandemic has had a very clear impact on our physical health, but its effect on people’s mental health has also been substantial.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, almost one fifth of adults in Great Britain felt some form of depression on June – nearly twice the normal rate.
And a survey conducted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in May reported that 43 per cent of UK psychiatrists saw an increase in urgent and emergency cases after lockdown started.
The World Federation for Mental Health has been trying to draw more attention to mental health needs by promoting a World Mental Health Day since 1992 – and this year’s is just around the corner.
When is World Mental Health Day 2020?
World Mental Health Day 2020 will be marked on Saturday 10 October.
What is this year’s theme?
This year’s theme is “mental health for all”.
Dr Ingrid Daniels, president of the World Foundation for Mental Health, said: “The world is experiencing the unprecedented impact of the current global health emergency due to Covid-19 that has also impacted on the mental health of millions of people.
“We know that the levels of anxiety, fear, isolation, social distancing and restrictions, uncertainty and emotional distress experienced have become widespread as the world struggles to bring the virus under control and to find solutions.”
On the theme, she added: “Mental health is a human right – it’s time that mental health is available for all.
“Quality, accessible primary health care is the foundation for universal health coverage and is urgently required as the world grapples with the current health emergency.”
How can you get involved?
UK mental health charity Mind is encouraging people to “do one thing today” for World Mental Health Day.
“Whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else; take the opportunity to do one thing this World Mental Health Day,” the organisation says on its website.
It has templates on its website that help you to change your social media profile pictures and post images and stories to Instagram.
You can also donate to the charity here, as well as sign up to be a volunteer.
The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging people to buy green ribbon pins to show support for World Mental Health Day. You can find them here.