Raising Awareness on World Mental Health Day 2023 

World Mental Health Day is a day set aside to raise awareness of mental health issues and to increase efforts to support mental health. It is observed on October 10th every year. Each year, those with a vested interest in raising awareness talk about their work, what can be done to bring mental health care to all people around the world, and how to help those who end up in a Mental Health Treatment Center.  

World Mental Health Day’s Focus 

Bringing awareness to the issues of mental health is critical to beginning to reduce the stigma surrounding those that have a mental illness. Every year, a different theme or focus is at the forefront of the discussion. This year, the topic is suicide prevention. This is important because someone loses their life to suicide every 40 seconds. Whether they are veterans, a child among the rise in teen suicides, or someone you’d never expect, people that commit suicide may also have a mental illness they’ve been dealing with for some time. The goal of the day will be to take ’40 seconds of action’ where everyone can do something to raise awareness and realize the role that each person plays in helping to prevent suicide. If you or a loved one is dealing with substance abuse and mental illness, our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in ME can help.  

The Importance of Raising Awareness 

On World Mental Health Day, one of the goals is to help people become aware of the increasing severity of the issue by getting them to have conversations about it. This can be hard when dealing with such a taboo subject because many prejudices surround the topic. But becoming aware of the risk factors and learning ways to address them can potentially save a life.  

How to Help Raise Awareness 

There are a lot of great ways to impact mental health awareness and suicide prevention from right where you are. It doesn’t take anything special, and anyone can do it. The point is that the more we talk about it, the more it becomes okay to talk about it, and the more people will be willing to get the help they need. When getting help at Liberty Bay Recovery, we provide wholesome therapy services including cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic treatment and trauma therapy. Talking about it also includes talking to those who might be dealing with suicidal thoughts. It’s important to listen to them without judgment. Express your concerns but be reassuring to them. Work with them to create a safety plan and encourage them to get help. And learn the warning signs so that you can be prepared to help when the time comes.  

Knowing the Signs Helps Spread Awareness 

Just like mental illness, there are indicators someone is dealing with suicidal thoughts. But pain isn’t always obvious. Learning the signs can help you become more aware, and sharing them with others can help spread awareness. There are some common signs that someone needs help, with the first three on this list being immediate indicators that you should seek help. They include:  

• Talking about death, suicide, or self-harm 

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live 
• Searching online for self-harm ideas or buying a gun 
• Reckless behavior 
• Increased drug or alcohol abuse 
• Uncontrolled anger 

• No sense of purpose 
• Anxiety or agitation 
• Sudden mood changes 
• Withdrawal or loss of interest in activities 
• Changes in sleep 

What to Do When it’s Time to Seek Help 

Suicide is preventable. When suicide is the result of someone dealing with mental illness, getting them help is essential. They need to know that they aren’t alone and that healing and recovery are possible. We can help, contact Liberty Bay Recovery today. Call us at 855.607.8758 to see how we can help you or your loved one today.