World Mental Health Day: Closer to ending stigma, says WHO – Saskatoon | The Canadian News

In an effort to raise awareness about mental health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized October 10 as World mental health day worldwide for the past 29 years.

Experts say a lot has been done to end the stigma around mental illness, but there is still a long way to go.

“There is no health without mental health,” said Tarun Dua, head of the WHO Department of Mental Health and Addictions.

Two decades ago, the WHO launched a Mental Health Atlas showing the state of mental health services in all areas of the world to address the gap in services for those in need.

In the recently released 2020 atlas, it shows that mental health only occupies two percent of the health budget worldwide and only one in four people is receiving the mental health treatment they need to deal with stigma.

“People with mental health problems, poor mental health, are also affected by stigma, discrimination and human rights abuses,” said Dua.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one billion people in the world were clinically diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and the numbers continue to rise.

Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) show that during the first three months of this year, they saw a 35 percent increase in customers for all of their mental health services.

“The volume of people who may never have done it before is starting to ask for help with their mental health,” said Zoe Teed-McKay, SHA Co-Director of Mental Health and Addiction.

According to the WHO, the slogan surrounding the day is: “Mental health care for all – let’s make mental health a reality for all.”

“Quite successful these days, the anti-stigma campaigns that have led us to a day like World Mental Health Day through each and every awareness action,” said Teed-McKay.

If you, or someone you know, needs mental health assistance, you can contact SHA Mental Health Services at 306-655-7777.