On the 10th of October (Thursday), the global community unites once again to celebrate World Mental Health Day (WMHD), an initiative organised by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year, the theme focuses on an issue that touches the lives of many—Mental Health at Work.
With 60% of the global population engaged in some form of employment, the connection between work and mental health is not only significant, but urgent. A healthy, safe working environment can support mental well-being, acting as a protective factor against stress and anxiety. However, when workplaces are characterised by unhealthy conditions such as stigma, discrimination, harassment, and overwork, they can become detrimental to mental health. Poor working environments not only impact employees' well-being but also reduce their ability to participate productively at work, thereby affecting overall quality of life.
Global Events Highlighting Mental Health
In supporting WMHD, World Psychiatric Association (WPA) has collaborated on a number of inter-organisational, global initiatives including:
The WHO Mental Health Forum, taking place in Geneva from the 9-10th of October, ( delete “and “) will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the global mental health landscape. Although in-person attendance is strictly limited, you can join via live stream. Find more details and registration information here.
The Society of Preventive Psychiatry, the European Association of Professors Emeriti and the Greek Association of Carers EPIONI are hosting an event to celebrate World Mental Health Day covering this year's theme which is "Mental Health in the workplace". It is a hybrid event and will take place:
Location: Office of the European Parliament in Greece, Amalias Avenue 8, Athens
Date: 10 October 2024
Time: 4.00-6.30 pm (CET)
It is also possible to join online via Zoom
Event programme can be accessed here.
WPA-Section on Old Age Psychiatry also actively participated in the UN Secretary General's World Mental Health Campaign "It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace” by organising, with other colleagues, a webinar that took place on the 3rd of October, titled "Work for All Ages: Embracing Diversity, Driving Growth". You can now view the recorded webinar here.
A Brighter Future for Mental Health at Work
WPA supports the WHO and WFMH on this World Mental Health Day and join them in calling upon governments, employers, labour organisations, and all stakeholders involved in workplace health and safety to come together and take urgent action to improve mental health at work. Creating inclusive, supportive, and healthy workplaces should be a priority in every sector. Addressing the issue of mental health at work must involve the meaningful participation of workers, their representatives, and people with lived experience of mental health conditions.
This collective action is critical for ensuring a healthier future for all, regardless of role, industry, or socioeconomic status. Let’s take this opportunity to build workplaces that promote well-being and reduce the risks of mental health problems.
Join us in making mental health at work a global priority—today and every day.
Author: Prof. Danuta Wasserman, WPA President
Image credit: The WHO / WFMH