Over the years, TODAY’s Carson Daly has shared his experiences with anxiety and panic attacks and the healthy ways he’s learned to tend to his mental wellbeing. That’s why he’s such a big proponent of honoring World Mental Health Day. But what is World Mental Health Day, and how can you celebrate it?
To mark World Mental Health Day 2024, Carson spoke with Phil Schermer, CEO of Project Healthy Minds, about the importance of mental health on the TODAY show.
“It ought be as easy to find mental health services in America as it is to book a flight, hotel or restaurant reservation,” Schermer said.
But sadly, the need for more robust mental health care is great: About 65 million Americans have a mental illness with about 60% of them not receiving treatment. For those who seek help, it takes about 11 years on average.
“I was one of those people that suffered in silence, and we’re trying to change that,” Carson said, when reporting from the Project Health Minds World Mental Health Day Festival 2024.
What are the main barriers for seeking mental health care in the U.S.? Schermer said he believes the top two are the stigma, which people like Carson are trying to break down, and not knowing where to look. He added that ProjectHealthyMinds.com is a great place to start.
Here’s what to know about World Mental Health Day 2024, from the theme to ways to celebrate.
Why mental health is important?
Mental health conditions can affect people in every aspect of their lives, from work to school to home and other social settings. They can also impact your relationships, which are a key factor in long-term happiness.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), annually one in five American adults experience mental illness, with one in 20 grappling with serious mental illness. Mental illness remains complex, NAMI says, with genetics, environment and lifestyle all playing a role. The organization stresses that people who have mental illnesses haven’t done something to cause it, and no one should feel ashamed about having a mental health condition.
What is the purpose of World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day, recognized on Oct. 10 annually, increases awareness of mental health and the role it plays in people’s lives across the world, the World Health Organization says.
The day gives experts and advocates the chance to talk about efforts to bolster access to mental health care and what still needs to be done to assure that all who need it receive good mental health care. Another goal of World Mental Health Day is encouraging people to take the day to reflect on the state of their own mental health, chat about what mental wellbeing means and advocate for better mental health care.
What is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2024?
World Mental Health Day 2024’s theme is “Mental Health at Work,” which emphasizes the “vital connection between mental health and work,” according to the WHO.
“Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work,” WHO notes. “With 60% of the global population in work, urgent action is needed to ensure work prevents risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work.”
Worldwide, one in eight people lives with a mental health condition, which impacts their physical and social health. Increasingly more children, teens and young adults grapple with mental illness.
Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions, the organization notes that people with mental illness experience discrimination, feel excluded and struggle to receive much-needed care that would help them thrive.
How to celebrate World Mental Health Day
Project Healthy Minds is hosting the World Mental Health Day Festival, which includes a spin session, a community run, and a guided mediation. The organization and many others will host conversations about mental health on Oct. 10, 2024. Schermer estimated that 2,000 people will be in attendance.
Carson will also be speaking with Demi Lovato and filmmaker Michael D. Ratner about mental health in Hollywood and the power of TV and film to destigmatize such conditions and help people seek the care they need.
The easiest ways to celebrate World Mental Health Day are making time to prioritize your own mental wellbeing — whether that’s by taking a mental health day from work, exercising, eating a nutritious meal or doing any other activity that makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated — and simply talking about your mental health candidly. You can post with #WorldMentalHealthDay.
Carson shared on World Mental Health Day 2023 how much talking can make a difference for people struggling.
“I’ve noticed since I’ve told my story (that) when one person tells their story, that unlocks 10 other people to tell their story, and that’s the tidal wave waiting to happen in the conversation,” he said.