World Mental Health Day 2023: Mental health is a universal human right
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where the demands and challenges of daily life seem to grow more complex by the day, there is an ever-increasing need to recognize and address the critical importance of mental health. The annual observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10th serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health in our daily lives. The importance of focusing on mental health will not go away as we observe World Mental Health Day in 2023. The digital revolution and the ongoing pandemic, both of which have an impact on mental health, are two examples of the profound changes taking place in the world. In light of this, World Mental Health Day 2023 assumes increased significance as a chance to consider the evolving landscape of mental health and the measures needed to promote resilience, support, and understanding for individuals facing mental health challenges.
This year’s theme of World Mental Health Day, 'Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,' underscores a fundamental truth that has often been overlooked. While the focus of human rights has historically centered on basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, mental health stands as a critical pillar for human well-being. Recognizing that mental health is a universal human right is acknowledging the close connection between mental health and the overall quality of life. Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their abilities and can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community. It is not merely the absence of mental disorders but a positive state of mental and emotional well-being. This definition aligns with the broader conception of human rights as not only freedoms from harm but freedoms to lead a fulfilling life.
The stigma attached to seeking help has significantly decreased as a result of recent advancements in the global conversation about mental health. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Many regions of the world still struggle to get access to mental health services, and there are still widespread misunderstandings about it. The goal of World Mental Health Day is to increase awareness, understanding, and neutralization so that people who require assistance can do so without feeling guilty or judged. The effects of mental health go far beyond the specific person. Families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and entire societies are affected by it. Businesses and organizations are starting to understand how critical it is to give their employees' mental health top priority because they know that a mentally healthy workforce is not only more productive but also more resilient in the face of difficulties. Schools are implementing mental health education to give students the skills they need to deal with the challenges of life. Communities are uniting to build networks of support and secure places where people can talk about their struggles and ask for help.
We are reminded that mental health is a global issue on World Mental Health Day in 2023. Borders, cultures, and backgrounds are irrelevant to it. People of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds are impacted. We must recognize the interdependence of our mental health and collaborate to create a culture of empathy, compassion, and support as we navigate the shifting terrain of our world. We take a significant step toward ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, free from the burdens of mental health challenges by recognizing mental health as a universal human right. World Mental Health Day in 2023 serves as a call to action and a prompt to the international community to work together to prioritize mental health, remove obstacles, and work toward a world where everyone's right to mental health is not only acknowledged but also upheld.
Bhasker Bhandary, Director of Human Resources, Acer India-
“In our modern society, it is imperative that we challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, cultivate a culture of compassion, and ensure accessible support for every individual. At Acer, we prioritize the well-being of our employees, recognizing that their mental wellness is paramount. We firmly believe that organizations have a responsibility to champion mental health by implementing dedicated policies and support systems for employees. In this collective effort, Acer plays a crucial role in fostering a more compassionate and empathetic global community. This year's theme, 'Mental health is a universal human right’, underscores the notion that mental health is a concern that transcends boundaries, emphasizing our shared responsibility to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all”.
Ritu Mehrotra, CEO, United We Care-
“With the advent of technology, gadgets and digital playgrounds, children are more prone to anxiety and depression. The shifting focus is because of the digital content that is being generated and consumed at a critical rate for children. This is not only affecting their eyesight at an early age but also their sleep patterns and anxiety levels. This is also most likely leading them to emulate a platonic setting of living beyond their own; such scenarios may lead to depression. There are, however, ways we can tackle such problems and issues. The first and foremost is limiting the content exposure to kids and children that you deem is not fit (as a parent or a guardian) for them, along with cutting the overall digital exposure time. The most active way of curtailing, however, is by building a robust diet plan and getting the children to spend more time outdoors doing and engaging in games or critical activities, which stimulates their positive or creative mindset for utilization. Parents, Teachers, Guardians, and The Civil Society at large should collaborate to get this done”.
Sqn Ldr Dimple Rawat (Retd), Director - HR, Barco India-
“Celebrating Mental Health Day, Barco stands strong in the commitment to nurturing not just technology, but the well-being of every individual. Let's come together to eliminate the negative perceptions, encourage open discussions, and build a future in which mental health is appreciated, and prioritized. At Barco, we ensure that every voice is heard, every struggle acknowledged, and every individual supported on their journey toward a healthier mind. Together, we can create a world where mental health is truly valued”.
Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO, The Academy School (TAS), Pune-
“It is crucial to encourage mental health programs in schools to prevent self-inflicting behaviour among students. These programs provide essential tools for coping with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. By emphasizing self-care, mindfulness, and healthy habits, these initiatives will promote emotional resilience, encourage open dialogue, teach coping mechanisms and interpersonal relationships. It is also essential to practice physical activity and hobbies, promote a balanced lifestyle that includes proper sleep and nutrition and most importantly keeping social media under control”.
Suvarna Nikam, Head, Global HR Function, Visionet-
“As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s imperative to recognize that mental health is a universal human right, extending far beyond the confines of the workplace. In a recent survey, a staggering 76% of Indian workers acknowledged that stress is negatively impacting their work. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for organizations to prioritize mental health in the workplace. At Visionet we are not only committed to creating a supportive workplace culture, but we also urge everyone, irrespective of their profession or walk of life, to be more mindful of their mental health”.
Ms. Richa Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of YourDOST-
"Mental health is a universal human right, and it is our shared obligation to confirm that every single individual has the opportunity to live a mentally and emotionally healthy life. World Mental Health Day is a touching reminder that we must invest in mental health support and break any hurdle that stops people from seeking help. At YourDOST, we are obliged to progress on this cause every day, and not only on this special day. Our approach is to make Mental Health fun and engaging for all, not only just accessible but also to truly be able to make #MentalHealthForAll".
Harshvendra Soin, Global Chief People Officer & Head - Marketing, Tech Mahindra-
“On this World Mental Health Day, it is crucial to recognize mental health as a fundamental human right. As an organization that prioritizes ‘Wellness Before Business’, our efforts have always been to create a workplace that values overall well-being at every touch-point and fosters collaboration and inspiration. In line with our commitment to facilitate a healthy and optimally productive work ecosystem, we have introduced several initiatives like BeMe an AI-powered tool to help employees build more robust engagement with their teams and improve leadership effectiveness; Dog therapy sessions that will be hosted on campus to boost the emotional well-being of employees; a Human Library series to foster a community through sharing stories about mental health, and various wellness-focused engaging activities for employees to relieve stress. This day is not just about the start of new initiatives but a commitment to weave together the threads of mental well-being into the fabric of organizational policies and practices. As leaders, let us vow to uphold this right and ensure that every individual is empowered to achieve their full potential in a workplace that prioritizes mental well-being and celebrates their worth".
This year’s theme of World Mental Health Day, 'Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,' underscores a fundamental truth that has often been overlooked. While the focus of human rights has historically centered on basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, mental health stands as a critical pillar for human well-being. Recognizing that mental health is a universal human right is acknowledging the close connection between mental health and the overall quality of life. Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their abilities and can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community. It is not merely the absence of mental disorders but a positive state of mental and emotional well-being. This definition aligns with the broader conception of human rights as not only freedoms from harm but freedoms to lead a fulfilling life.
The stigma attached to seeking help has significantly decreased as a result of recent advancements in the global conversation about mental health. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Many regions of the world still struggle to get access to mental health services, and there are still widespread misunderstandings about it. The goal of World Mental Health Day is to increase awareness, understanding, and neutralization so that people who require assistance can do so without feeling guilty or judged. The effects of mental health go far beyond the specific person. Families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and entire societies are affected by it. Businesses and organizations are starting to understand how critical it is to give their employees' mental health top priority because they know that a mentally healthy workforce is not only more productive but also more resilient in the face of difficulties. Schools are implementing mental health education to give students the skills they need to deal with the challenges of life. Communities are uniting to build networks of support and secure places where people can talk about their struggles and ask for help.
We are reminded that mental health is a global issue on World Mental Health Day in 2023. Borders, cultures, and backgrounds are irrelevant to it. People of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds are impacted. We must recognize the interdependence of our mental health and collaborate to create a culture of empathy, compassion, and support as we navigate the shifting terrain of our world. We take a significant step toward ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, free from the burdens of mental health challenges by recognizing mental health as a universal human right. World Mental Health Day in 2023 serves as a call to action and a prompt to the international community to work together to prioritize mental health, remove obstacles, and work toward a world where everyone's right to mental health is not only acknowledged but also upheld.
Bhasker Bhandary, Director of Human Resources, Acer India-
“In our modern society, it is imperative that we challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, cultivate a culture of compassion, and ensure accessible support for every individual. At Acer, we prioritize the well-being of our employees, recognizing that their mental wellness is paramount. We firmly believe that organizations have a responsibility to champion mental health by implementing dedicated policies and support systems for employees. In this collective effort, Acer plays a crucial role in fostering a more compassionate and empathetic global community. This year's theme, 'Mental health is a universal human right’, underscores the notion that mental health is a concern that transcends boundaries, emphasizing our shared responsibility to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all”.
Ritu Mehrotra, CEO, United We Care-
“With the advent of technology, gadgets and digital playgrounds, children are more prone to anxiety and depression. The shifting focus is because of the digital content that is being generated and consumed at a critical rate for children. This is not only affecting their eyesight at an early age but also their sleep patterns and anxiety levels. This is also most likely leading them to emulate a platonic setting of living beyond their own; such scenarios may lead to depression. There are, however, ways we can tackle such problems and issues. The first and foremost is limiting the content exposure to kids and children that you deem is not fit (as a parent or a guardian) for them, along with cutting the overall digital exposure time. The most active way of curtailing, however, is by building a robust diet plan and getting the children to spend more time outdoors doing and engaging in games or critical activities, which stimulates their positive or creative mindset for utilization. Parents, Teachers, Guardians, and The Civil Society at large should collaborate to get this done”.
Sqn Ldr Dimple Rawat (Retd), Director - HR, Barco India-
“Celebrating Mental Health Day, Barco stands strong in the commitment to nurturing not just technology, but the well-being of every individual. Let's come together to eliminate the negative perceptions, encourage open discussions, and build a future in which mental health is appreciated, and prioritized. At Barco, we ensure that every voice is heard, every struggle acknowledged, and every individual supported on their journey toward a healthier mind. Together, we can create a world where mental health is truly valued”.
Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO, The Academy School (TAS), Pune-
“It is crucial to encourage mental health programs in schools to prevent self-inflicting behaviour among students. These programs provide essential tools for coping with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. By emphasizing self-care, mindfulness, and healthy habits, these initiatives will promote emotional resilience, encourage open dialogue, teach coping mechanisms and interpersonal relationships. It is also essential to practice physical activity and hobbies, promote a balanced lifestyle that includes proper sleep and nutrition and most importantly keeping social media under control”.
Suvarna Nikam, Head, Global HR Function, Visionet-
“As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s imperative to recognize that mental health is a universal human right, extending far beyond the confines of the workplace. In a recent survey, a staggering 76% of Indian workers acknowledged that stress is negatively impacting their work. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for organizations to prioritize mental health in the workplace. At Visionet we are not only committed to creating a supportive workplace culture, but we also urge everyone, irrespective of their profession or walk of life, to be more mindful of their mental health”.
Ms. Richa Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of YourDOST-
"Mental health is a universal human right, and it is our shared obligation to confirm that every single individual has the opportunity to live a mentally and emotionally healthy life. World Mental Health Day is a touching reminder that we must invest in mental health support and break any hurdle that stops people from seeking help. At YourDOST, we are obliged to progress on this cause every day, and not only on this special day. Our approach is to make Mental Health fun and engaging for all, not only just accessible but also to truly be able to make #MentalHealthForAll".
Harshvendra Soin, Global Chief People Officer & Head - Marketing, Tech Mahindra-
“On this World Mental Health Day, it is crucial to recognize mental health as a fundamental human right. As an organization that prioritizes ‘Wellness Before Business’, our efforts have always been to create a workplace that values overall well-being at every touch-point and fosters collaboration and inspiration. In line with our commitment to facilitate a healthy and optimally productive work ecosystem, we have introduced several initiatives like BeMe an AI-powered tool to help employees build more robust engagement with their teams and improve leadership effectiveness; Dog therapy sessions that will be hosted on campus to boost the emotional well-being of employees; a Human Library series to foster a community through sharing stories about mental health, and various wellness-focused engaging activities for employees to relieve stress. This day is not just about the start of new initiatives but a commitment to weave together the threads of mental well-being into the fabric of organizational policies and practices. As leaders, let us vow to uphold this right and ensure that every individual is empowered to achieve their full potential in a workplace that prioritizes mental well-being and celebrates their worth".
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