World Mental Health Day 2021
This past Sunday 10th October was World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme for the day was ‘mental health in an unequal world’ which seems more relevant than ever before, particularly following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anyone can experience a mental health problem, but the risks of mental illness are not distributed equally…
Mental illness brings about inequality in itself: people with mental illness experience more stigma and discrimination, are more likely to struggle finding work and making income and are at greater risk of having poor physical health, too. However, many people also start from a position of disadvantage…
Some groups of people have poorer mental health than others in general. This is usually reflective of social or economic disadvantages. In many cases, these people often have less access to treatment and support for their mental health. When these people do eventually receive treatment, their experiences tend to be far worse, often causing more harm.
Did you know that…
People who identify at LGBTQ+ have higher rates of mental health problems and lower well-being compared to heterosexual people.
Children from the poorest 20% of households are four times more likely to have serious mental health problems by the time they are 11 years old, than those from wealthiest 20%.
Children and young people with a learning disability are three times more likely than average to have a mental health problem.
Women are ten times as likely as men to experience physical and sexual abuse during their lifetime.
Only 1 in 3 people who experience mental health problems are able to access the support they need.
Black adults are the least likely to report receiving therapy or medication for the mental health.
In the UK, black people are four times as likely as white people to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Accessible healthcare is extremely important to us as at Therapy with Olivia. This is why we offer a sliding scale depending on financial situation, a student discount, and sessions both in-person and online. We aim to find a solution so that every client can receive the care they want and need.
Addressing mental health problems will lead to better treatment, better outcomes and an improved quality of life for people with mental illness… which is why World Mental Health Day is so important! If you can, try to take the time this month to increase mental health awareness – whether that’s by volunteering at a mental health organisation, talking to a loved one about how they’re doing or simply practicing some self-care!
