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World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace for a Healthier Future

10 October 2024

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World Mental Health Day, observed every year on October 10th, serves as a vital platform for raising awareness, combating stigma, and advocating for better mental health care worldwide. Consider these important facts:

• 1 in 8 people globally, or approximately 970 million individuals, live with a mental disorder.

• 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 experiences a mental disorder, contributing to 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.

• About 14% of adults aged 60 and older live with a mental disorder.

• Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health issue, affecting 301 million people in 2019 [1].

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted daily life, leading to widespread psychosocial and economic challenges, including fear of illness, loss of loved ones, lockdowns, social isolation, school closures, and economic recession [2]. In response to these challenges and the growing awareness of mental health issues, governments worldwide have taken steps to enhance mental health services, such as the establishment of Mental Health Week in Australia.

Thanks to collaborative efforts, progress in treating mental disorders has accelerated, particularly in the development and application of related medications. Common mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and personality disorders, are now more effectively managed. Among these, antidepressants are the most commonly used, targeting MAO(www.ambeed.com/mao.html), GABA receptors(www.ambeed.com/gaba-receptor.html), SERT, and GPCR/G protein targets(www.ambeed.com/gpcr.html) [3]. While medication is one approach to treatment, it is often complemented by psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.

This year, the Global Campaign aims to recognize World Mental Health Day 2024 in conjunction with the final phase of the WFMH's 75th Anniversary. The theme, "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace," will focus on various aspects of mental well-being at work, from stress management to social inclusion and empowerment. For instance, just as separate housing calms animals by catering to their needs, similar strategies might be effective in creating healthier work environments. Additionally, research suggests that certain scents, like menthol(www.ambeed.com/products/1490-04-6.html) and vanillin(www.ambeed.com/products/121-33-5.html) [4], can positively influence emotions and promote relaxation, offering potential benefits in workplace settings.

As we commemorate World Mental Health Day 2024, let’s commit to prioritizing mental health, not just today but every day. By fostering supportive workplaces and raising awareness, we can empower individuals to thrive. Remember, mental health matters—for you, your colleagues, and our collective future. Together, let’s take a step forward in creating a healthier, more inclusive world.

References

[1]Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation. (n.d.). Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx).

[2]Leung, C. M. C., Ho, M. K., Kan, E. C., Hung, C. H., & Liu, P. C. (2022). Mental disorders following COVID-19 and other epidemics: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Translational Psychiatry, 12(1), 205.

[3]Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Antidepressants.

[4]Donato, C., Géraldine, C., et al. (2024). Beyond self-report measures of arousal: A new priming task to capture activation of relaxing and energizing feelings elicited by odors. Food Quality and Preference, 119, 105227.

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