October 10th was World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. According to Johns Hopkins, an estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, and research shows one in ten people globally are living with a mental health disorder.

With so many global citizens affected by these conditions, it’s no surprise that mental health plays a critical role in achieving global development goals. As such, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed at the United Nations (UN) Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 included mental health as one of the 17 universal goals that address the urgent environmental, political and economic challenges facing our world. The goals address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

Tips to Support Your Mental Health

  1. Don’t just tough it out: Ask for help when you need it.
  2. Words hold power: The way we talk to ourselves matters.
  3. Keep a mood journal: Writing down how you feel can help regulate your emotions.
  4. Know your triggers: Get curious and notice how your body is responding.
  5. Draw a line in the sand: Set clear work-life boundaries both physical and mental, as best you can.
  6. Open up: Break the silence and share your own story.

ISN Resources

Regional Mental Health Resources