World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is observed every year on October 10, and is organized by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). It is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The day is a sign of global commitment toward raising awareness of mental health issues and to make efforts to support mental health globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s mental health worldwide, with certain groups, such as healthcare and frontline workers, students, people living alone, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, having been affected in particular. Mental health services have also been disrupted due to the pandemic.

The WHO World Mental Health Day campaign this year, with the slogan “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality”, will emphasize the efforts made by some countries in providing mental health care to their people.

The WFMH theme for World Mental Health Day 2021 is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. The theme will bring to light the fact that access to mental health services continues to remain unequal. Around 75% to 95% of individuals with mental health disorders in low- and middle-income countries are not able to access the required services, while access in high income countries is no better… (WHO/PAHO/WFMH)