What is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is an event organised by the WFMH (World Federation for Mental Health) in cooperation with WHO (World Health Organization). The aim of this day is to raise awareness of mental health and mental health disorders and to promote a positive mental attitude.
It occurs every year on 10th October and is supported by people all around the world. The focus is on raising awareness of mental health conditions and gaining more help and support for those dealing with mental disorders.
One person in five will be affected by a mental health disorder at some stage of their lives. For this reason we must look at ways of developing a healthy mind and building positive emotions. It is also vital that governments worldwide invest in mental health to ensure the wellbeing of their citizens.
Mental Health is a Universal Human Right
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 is: ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’. The purpose of this year’s theme is to recognise the progress in the field of mental health and to look at ways to provide support for those that need it. Approximately one in five adults and one in ten children have a mental health issue including stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Many people throughout the world do not receive the mental health treatment they need mainly due to the lack of investment in mental health conditions.
75 Years of Mental Health Advocacy
This year WFMH and WHO are both celebrating their 75th anniversaries. These milestones are a motivational opportunity for us to increase mental health awareness by getting involved in World Mental Health Day.
Ways to Participate in World Mental Health Day
All organisations and schools can get involved with World Mental Health Day in various ways. The World Federation for Mental Health has reached the milestone of 75 years of mental health advocacy and invites us to join their campaign this year through ‘Right to Express’ and ‘Express Through Art’. Check their engagement page for details.
World Mental Health Day Online
You can also take part in World Mental Health Day on social media using these hashtags:
All Resources has produced a number of resource packs which cover a variety of topics including depression and suicide.
Mental Health Resources
Teenage Depression — A Way Out
Tackles the issue of depression including causes and signs that parents and teachers can look out for.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 87
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £10.99 
Hard copy: £35.99 add to basket
Suicide is Never the Answer
Understand the reasons behind suicidal feelings in young people and recognise the signs to help prevent this tragedy.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 44
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £8.99
Hard copy: £25.99 add to basket
Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Covers suicide from a variety of perspectives, the reasons behind suicide, the groups most at risk and the warning signs.
- Focus: For those interested in suicide prevention and mental health policy
- Category: General
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 61
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £10.99
Hard copy: £35.99 add to basket
Mental Health Lesson Plans
Introduction to Mental Health
This lesson plan introduces the subject of mental health and mental illness.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 15
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99 
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Introduction to Loneliness
An introduction to loneliness and the way it affects our physical and mental health.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 15
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Suicide Prevention
A lesson plan designed to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 21
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
A lesson plan examining anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder — a more extreme form of anxiety.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 14
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Introduction to Depression
This lesson plan introduces depression and the way it affects us physically and mentally.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 14
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Exam Stress
This lesson plan provides information and advice on dealing with exam stress.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 17
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket