Initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year with a focus on increasing awareness of mental health across the world. In 2020, the World Mental Health Day will fall on a Saturday. On this day, all stakeholders have an opportunity to discuss about their efforts, and what can be accomplished to make mental health care a need for people across the world.
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When is World Mental Health Day Celebrated in 2020
| Date | Day | Celebrated |
| 10 October 2020 | Saturday | Across the world |
In 2020, the World Mental Health Day will be celebrated on 10th October which is a Saturday. The theme has not been revealed yet. The World Mental Health Day 2019 theme was ‘Suicide Prevention’. As per the WHO, about 800,000 people take their own life every year and there are several people who attempt suicide. It’s the second leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year olds across the world.
World Mental Health Day from 2021 to 2024
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2021 | 10 October | Sunday |
| 2022 | 10 October | Monday |
| 2023 | 10 October | Tuesday |
| 2024 | 10 October | Wednesday |
History of World Mental Health Day
For the first time on 10 October 1992, the World Mental Health Day was observed, and it’s officially commemorated on 10th October each year since then. Initially, the Day did not have any specific theme, with a general focus on educating the public on issues related to mental health as well as encourage mental health advocacy.
The first theme for the World Mental Health Day was used in 1994, it was ‘Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World’.
List of World Mental Health Day Themes
Here are the themes of the World Mental Health Day:
1996: Women and Mental Health
1997: Children and Mental Health
1998: Mental Health and Human Rights
1999: Mental Health and Aging
2000-01: Mental Health and Work
2002: Effects of Trauma and Violence on Children and Adolescents
2003: Emotional Behaviour Disorders of Children and Adolescents
2004: Relationship Between Physical and Mental Health: Co-occurring Disorders
2005: Mental and Physical Health Across the Life Span
2006: Building Awareness – Reducing Risk: Mental Illness and Suicide
2007: Mental Health in a Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity
2008: Making Mental Health a Global Priority: Scaling up Services through Citizen Advocacy and Action
2009: Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing Treatment and Promoting Mental Health
2010: Mental Health and Chronic Physical Illnesses
2011: The Great Push: Investing in Mental Health
2012: Depression: A Global Crisis
2013: Mental Health and Older Adults
2014: Living with Schizophrenia
2015: Dignity in Mental Health
2016: Psychological and Mental Health First Aid
2017: Mental Health in Workplace
2018: Young People and Mental Health in Changing World
2019: Suicide Prevention
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Mental Health Action Plan
At the 66th World Health Assembly of the WHO, a comprehensive action plan 2013-2020 was initiated. The main objectives of the action plan are:
- Provide integrated, responsive and comprehensive social care and mental health services in a community-based environment.
- Strengthen evidence, research and information systems for mental health.
- Execute plans for prevention and promotion of mental health.
- Strengthen governance and effective leadership for mental health.
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