Since 1992, World Mental Health Day has been observed every October 10th with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of mental health and encouraging us to offer support to those facing mental health challenges.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook mental health and fail to see it as the foundation of our well-being, even though it directly affects every aspect of our lives. The World Health Organization has declared the 21st century the century of depression, further emphasizing the need to treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.

Our collective goal should be to create a healthy and sustainable society, and the foundation of a healthy society lies in well-maintained mental health. That is why we must use this day as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the need to create a non-stigmatizing and supportive environment for everyone.

As we face various stressors daily, from minor ones such as work challenges, everyday responsibilities, and deadlines, to major ones like illness, pandemics, natural disasters, and the like, it’s important to be mindful of how we feel and recognize when it’s time to seek help. Just as we want to share happiness with others, we should also share less pleasant emotions like sadness, fear, and helplessness – because everything feels easier when you realize you’re not alone.

Interestingly, we have come to care more about what others will think of us for going to a psychologist than about helping ourselves and improving the quality of our lives. But just in case someone decides to prioritize their health, here is the first step you can take for yourself: acknowledge and accept your feelings. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals helps us bear burdens that are sometimes too heavy to carry alone. While we can’t change the events that happen, we can change how we view them and learn to take care of ourselves.

Unfortunately, people facing mental challenges still often don’t seek help or support, instead fighting their battles alone, convinced that it’s better and safer to remain silent rather than give others the chance to help them overcome their struggle.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, be brave enough to do the only right thing – seek support and help! On this day, let’s give ourselves enough love and acknowledge that we can’t do everything on our own, but let’s also remember to take care of ourselves and others not just today, but every day.

Anisa Čelik Raščić