World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day takes place on October 10.

World Mental Health Day was designed to increase awareness of global mental health concerns, inspire communication, and enhance education on topics people often feel too taboo or vulnerable to discuss.

Pre-pandemic, it was reported that one in eight people suffered from mental health issues.  However, cases of anxiety and depression rose more than a quarter during the first Covid-lockdown. While we’re all now getting back to a ‘new normal’, many of us are still living with symptoms of anxiety and depression as a symptom of the pandemic.  (Stats: World Mental Health Day 2022). Plus, we are seeing a massive increase in awareness around suicide prevention and men’s mental health at the moment, with many organisations putting in place structures and activities specially designed to help men tackle poor mental health as it’s been statistically proven that men are less likely to ask for help when it comes to dealing with mental health issues.

In addition to this, new global concerns have risen, such as social and economic inequality, cost-of-living,  equality and discrimination, limited NHS public health care and the effect of the war in Ukraine, which have all played a role in deepening people’s insecurities about the future.

Fortunately, it offers the opportunity for open communication, where people’s mental health is valued and protected in a safe space, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to source mental healthcare, regardless of who and where they are.

 

What Defines a Mentally Healthy Workplace?

According to The Mental Health Foundation, a mentally healthy workplace fosters a supportive environment where employees feel valued, respected, and able to discuss mental health without fear of judgment. This includes staff training on mental health, addressing issues like discrimination and bullying, and encouraging open conversations about well-being.

Although discussions around mental health in the workplace have become more common, stigma still exists, particularly regarding severe mental health conditions. This highlights the need for ongoing efforts to break down barriers and create a truly inclusive and supportive work environment.

Find an Inspirational World Mental Health Day Speaker

At Great British Speakers, we’ve worked hard to secure a team of professional mental health speakers. They all have personal, heartfelt reasons why mental health is such a vital topic of conversation for them.

Ultimately, our mental health and wellness speakers share the same goal and, through their personal experiences, advocate for global mental health care for all.

So, if you’re running an event for World Mental Health Day or want to boost your team’s mental well-being at your next team-building day, the team at Great British Speakers is here to help.

 

Search all of our Mental Health and Wellness Awareness Speakers

Featured Speaker – Owen O’Kane

Psychotherapist and author of the globally acclaimed book Ten to Zen, Owen O’Kane, is a self-described “Irish, Catholic and Gay young man”, the perfect combination for anxiety during The Troubles. After a spell working in palliative care, Owen spoke to many people at the end of their lives and realised many were expressing their biggest regrets. As a result of these conversations, Owen started to learn what was worth hanging on to, and what we should make peace with and forget.

Throughout all of Owen’s speeches, he is warm and informative. He captures everyone’s attention with his anecdotes on grief and bereavement, his childhood, his sexuality and his mental health. With stress and anxiety being two of the most significant issues amongst young people, Owen helps to identify, accept and overcome these negative feelings.

 

Listen to the Podcast!

Chats with some of the UK’s leading Mental Health Awareness Speakers…

Welcome to the Great British Speakers Podcast Series, where we connect you with the UK’s top keynote speakers, business leaders, athletes, mental health advocates, and more. Each episode offers valuable insights and key takeaways, highlighting the benefits of hiring a Great British Speaker for your next event. With diverse topics like mental health, equality, business, and leadership, there’s something for everyone.

 

Related Articles. 

Paris Bartholomew: Supporting Children’s Mental Wellbeing

• Supporting Women’s Health in the Workplace
• How to Prevent Work/Life Burnout with Andrew Pain
• Speaking Up on Men’s Mental Health with Roman Kemp
• Breaking Down Barriers: Mental Health, Neurodiversity and Macsculinty with Shaun Flores

 

Hire a Mental Health Speaker for World Mental Health Day

If you’d like to book a World Mental Health Day speaker, contact directors Jane Farnham and Steve Denison at Great British Speakers. Call +44 1753 439289 or email [email protected]