In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, Ross will be participating in Mental Health Awareness Week (October 11-15). We will start by kicking off a whole week of fun activities with the objective of raising awareness for mental health and highlighting the importance of breaking the stigma.
The theme for this year, “Mental Health in an Unequal World,” was chosen by the members of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The goal of this was to shed light on the inequalities of mental health and treatment around the world, as well as to provide an opportunity for businesses and individuals to talk about what needs to be done to make mental health more accessible to people.
Individuals have always struggled with mental health problems and the stigma has always been present, but the problem was exacerbated during the pandemic where a lot of inequalities in the world were brought to the surface. Individuals, especially those living in poverty, not only had to deal with their existing mental health problems, but they also struggled with the lack of access to basic health care resources needed to combat the virus. According to the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), in low- and middle-income countries, between 75 percent and 95 percent of people with mental health disorders do not have access to mental health services.
In addition to this, people also experienced high stress levels due to the economic consequences resulting from the pandemic. Many companies let staff go in order to save their businesses and prevent shutting down completely. The need for mental health and psychosocial support is expected to increase exponentially in the coming months and years.
Awareness is the first step to breaking the mental health stigma. Even though there are so many on-going studies and research being done, a lot of work is still needed to raise more awareness around the issue. The problem is that many people are not exposed to mental health issues until they are directly impacted by a tragedy. Educating communities and starting conversations about mental health is the key to promoting a more positive approach to mental illness.
World Mental Health Week Schedule:
✔️Monday, October 11: “Wear Purple for a Peaceful Mind”
Everyone at our campuses will be wearing purple to recognize Mental Health Awareness and show support for the cause. Staff will wear jeans and a purple shirt/top and students can wear a purple shirt or long-sleeved top with scrub pants.
✔️Tuesday, October 12: “Yoga for Mental Health and Relaxation”
Staff and students will participate in a campus-wide 20-minute yoga session during class. The goal is to discover new and healthy ways to relax and de-stress while highlighting the benefits of breathing and stretching exercises. No yoga equipment will be required.
✔️Wednesday, October 13: “Suicide and Substance Abuse Awareness Day”
Today, more than ever, it’s important to openly talk about how to seek help for issues related to depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse. With the stress of school, parenting, work, finances, and the pandemic, anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Students will discuss the importance of this topic and they will be provided with tangible tools and resources.
✔️Thursday, October 14: “Eat Right, Shine Bright Day”
Staff and students will be treated to a healthy snack bar with good-mood food. In addition to all of the campuses providing a snack bar, students will also receive some educational resources and links to articles talking about foods that help brain power.
✔️Friday, October 15: “Check Yourself Before Ya Wreck Yourself Day”
Friday will be all about learning how to obtain and utilize tangible tools to manage stress and anxiety. Instructors will provide suggestions for some self-care activities to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Students will also complete a Self-Care Inventory and help their peers plan a relaxing weekend. Becoming aware of the areas in life where we can do a little more for ourselves in order to maintain a healthy balance is key.