On October 10, 2023, people and organizations around the globe will mark World Mental Health Day, an annual awareness and advocacy campaign initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992. Each year, a theme is chosen by WFMH and partner organizations such as the World Health Authority (WHO) which supports the importance of the day by hosting events, providing resources, and creating campaign materials for people to engage with and dig deeper into that year’s theme.
This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’. It may seem like a lofty goal, but at BCACC we believe that change starts at home. Our points of influence as British Columbians may seem to only extend as far as the borders of our province, but the work we do to remove barriers to access and break the stigma around the need for mental health support extends far beyond our own communities.
From the World Federation of Mental Health:
“Previous reports by the UN Human Rights office highlight that people with mental health conditions and those with psychosocial disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of poor physical health and reduced life expectancy. Stigma is also a significant determinant of quality care and access to the full range of services required.
Discrimination, harmful stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace prevent healthy relationships, social interactions and the inclusive environments needed for the well-being of all members of society.
Mental health must be squarely placed in a human rights framework to re-cast the aspiration for sound mental health as a fundamental human right. Ensuring access to mental health services must be an obligation and responsibility of state and global organizations which can no longer be ignored. Access to better living conditions, security, food, shelter and housing are all necessary for people’s mental health.”
We hope you’ll join BCACC in raising awareness of World Mental Health Day in your own community. Here’s how you can learn more and participate in World Mental Health Day, too:
- Visit a BCACC-organized illumination event:
- If you’re in Victoria, visit the Parliament Buildings at the BC Legislature after dusk. The Ceremonial Entrance, Front (Centre) Fountain, and Back (Centennial) Fountain of the Parliament Buildings as well as the Confederation Garden Park Fountain and Waterfall will be illuminated in green on October 10th from dusk to 1:00 a.m.
- If you’re in Vancouver, visit BC Place, which will be illuminated in green on October 10th from dusk to 1:00 a.m.
- Be sure to share your illumination photos with us on social media by tagging BCACC and using the hashtag #WMD2023BCACC or send your photos to [email protected].
- Wear green on October 10th and share on social media by tagging BCACC and using the hashtag #WMD2023BCACC.
- Participate in the WFMH Right to Express campaign. The campaign hopes to bring forward a unified voice, highlighting how the experiences of people have been shaped by a lack of recognition of mental health as a universal human right, along with their perspectives about the same.
- Write your MLA and MP and ask that mental health resources be more widely accessible and equitable.
- Learn more about mental health and wellness topics through the Canadian Mental Health Association
- Download and share graphics for social media here and here. Some useful captions include:
- Let’s break the stigma and spread love this World Mental Health Day! � Your mental health matters. Reach out, talk, and support one another. Together, we can make a difference. #WMD2023BCACC
- Take a moment to check in with yourself and those around you. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s work towards a world where everyone feels heard and valued. #WMD2023BCACC
- You are not alone on this journey. World Mental Health Day reminds us that it’s okay to seek help and support when needed. Reach out to a friend or Registered Clinical Counsellor if you’re struggling. Your well-being is worth it! #WMD2023BCACC
- Today, let’s light up the world with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Together, we can create a brighter future where mental health is a universal human right and priority for all. #WMD2023BCACC
- Your mental health is a treasure worth protecting. On this World Mental Health Day, let’s raise awareness and build a world that prioritizes well-being. You are important, and your mental health matters. #WMD2023BCACC
Together, we can shine a light on mental health issues and create the change needed to ensure all people have equitable access to mental health support.
