Head First: Make Mental Health a Priority This World Mental Health Day
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Make mental health for all a global priority,” couldn’t be more timely. Too often, we neglect our mental well-being and fail to recognize the needs of others until it’s too late. But the time to act is now – before disaster strikes.
Personally, I count myself fortunate to be alive today. My deep desire to be there for my son has been my lifeline during dark times when suicide seemed like the only way out. Without a support network in my younger years, emergency medical interventions saved me from previous attempts.
My World Mental Health Day Statement is clear: We cannot afford to ignore mental health until it’s too late. Mental health is integral to overall well-being, and it deserves the same attention as physical health care.
For those struggling with mental health issues or supporting someone who is, here are some resources:
Mental Health Resources:
- World Mental Health Day 2022 Toolkit
- Visit the CDC website for information and resources on Children’s Mental Health
- Contact the free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or visit online
At DG Speaks, we believe in the power of self-care. Here are some articles to guide you on your journey:
Self-care Articles from DG Speaks :
- Using Your Vision Board as a Tool for Reflection
- How To Find Your Inner Peace No Matter What Life Throws Your Way
- What Carla Hall Had to Say About Setting Goals and Finding Your Happy
- Routines Are Good for Your Wellbeing
These days, I don’t think about mental health only as surviving the hardest moments. I think about it as creating a life I don’t constantly need to escape from. That means protecting my peace, choosing relationships that nourish me, spending time in nature, traveling, writing, asking for help when I need it, and giving myself permission to rest.
Healing doesn’t happen all at once. In my experience, it happens through hundreds of small decisions that remind us our lives are worth caring for.
If this article reaches you during a difficult season, I hope you’ll remember one thing: you don’t have to carry it alone.
Let’s make mental health a global priority, not just on World Mental Health Day, but every day. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the support they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.
