World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is held on 10 October each year to raise public awareness about mental health issues across the globe. This event promotes open discussion of mental health problems, as well as investment in prevention and treatment services.

Every year, one in six of us will experience mental ill health; yet only a quarter will seek and receive treatment.

Psychology can help those individuals, families and communities affected by  poor mental health, as clinical psychologist, Lucy Johnstone explains:

“Mental health in all its forms can have a huge impact on individuals, families and communities, leading to everything from relationship breakdown to time off work and in the worst scenario, suicide.

“Clinical psychologists are trained to carry out a range of evidence-based therapies, and to promote psychological awareness and interventions in teams and organisations. They work with children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to psychosis and dementia.”

Due to the current economic situation there is a danger that the government will cut spending on mental health services.

Therefore the Society has written a letter to the government in conjunction with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Nursing, College of Occupational Therapists and British Association of Social Workers asking them to support continued investment in vital services to achieve “parity of esteem” between mental and physical health care and overcome some of the most dramatic health inequalities in our country today.

The Society has encouraged members to write to their local media and communities about investment into mental health.