October 2008 - World Mental Health Day
October 10th each year is World Mental Health Day (WMHD). First established in 1992, WMHD is an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and is used each year as an opportunity to communicate across the board about mental health issues.
Open Mind observed WMHD 2008 by running a special workshop on Coping with Stress at Work. The workshop was part of a whole day of events organised at Community House by the borough of Enfield with free entry to all residents. Activities on offer included exhibitions, group discussions, video presentations and excellent refreshments.
The workshop covered the following key themes.
Recognising the signs of stress
- Managing Personal Stress
- Coping with workload demands
- Stress management strategies
- Managing and being managed by other people
- Developing a stress management action & review plan.
Based in Edmonton the workshop attracted an enthusiastic group of participants ”it was excellent’ remarked one ‘its so helpful to be able to share issues and concerns with peers in a safe environment’.
WFMH is an international membership organisation founded in 1948 “to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health”. The Federation, through its members in more than 100 countries, has responded to international mental health crises through its role as the only worldwide grassroots advocacy and public education organisation in the mental health field. Its organisational and individual membership includes mental health workers of all disciplines, consumers of mental health services, family members, and interested members of the public. Its broad and diverse membership supports governments and non-governmental organisations to advance the cause of mental health services, research, and policy advocacy worldwide.
Each year World Mental Health Day focuses on a different aspect of the Federation’s global campaign to promote mental health education. However, participating organisations do not necessarily need to follow the chosen themes but use the date to draw attention to issues of local and national relevance.
The focus of World Mental Health Day 2009 will be Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing Treatment and Promoting Mental Health.
Keep an eye on this site for more news nearer the date.
