Every October 10, we commemorate World Mental Health Day. The day has been commemorated since 1994 and was created by the World Federation of Mental Health. Much like its name, the commemoration aims to increase awareness on mental health and to support people who suffers from mental disorder(s).
According to WHO’s website, World Mental Health Day 2024 commemorates the global theme of “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” The purpose of this theme is to remind us that we also need to prioritize mental health in the middle of today’s social and work pressure. A good mental health can push us to develop ourselves in a positive way. So, what can we do to maintain good mental health?
Yuliana Hanami, M.Sc., Ph.D., a Faculty of Psychology lecturer in Universitas Padjadjaran, revealed that every person has a different way in maintaining a good mental health. One thing that we can do is to find a fun thing that we can do when we feel down or whenever we need refreshment. For example, if meeting, talking, and listening to other people is our “comfort situation,” we can do those things to cool down or reduce the stress that we feel.
Yuliana also said that our daily habits can influence our mental health based on the type of action. For example, playing too many online games with no respect for time which causes us to miss the time for dinner, sleep, or other activities can cause an imbalance in physical health which, in turn, can affect our mental health and feelings the next day. That is why it’s important for us to realize and let go of bad habits that can affect our mental health negatively.
For World Mental Health Day, she hopes that young people can be more aware of what’s happening around them in social environments as a way for us to learn how to be more attentive to ourselves or to others. It is hoped that this commemoration can be an opportunity for all of us to move towards a better change by looking out for each other.
Happy World Mental Health Day! (Ed)