October 10th is World Mental Health Day

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October 10th is World Mental Health Day

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually to raise awareness about all aspects of mental health. World Mental Health Day originated from the World Federation for Mental Health and was first celebrated on October 10th, 1992. World Mental Health Day is dedicated to educating communities about mental health issues and promoting strategies to improve mental well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health is “a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and how it affects how they think, feel, and act” (CDC). Mental health is crucial to our overall well-being, significantly influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Through continued education and awareness, we can promote a better understanding of mental health, and subsequently improve the overall wellness of our community.

In Connecticut, mental health trends have revealed a significant rise in service needs over recent years, highlighting an increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. According to a 2021 study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 531,000 adults in Connecticut have a mental health condition, which is more than four times the population of New Haven. Additionally, the same study reports that “40,000 youth in Connecticut age 12-17 have depression” (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

With numbers being so strikingly high, it is imperative that we work to eliminate stigma and encourage conversations about mental health. Several community initiatives, such as support groups, can provide safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences in a positive environment. Moreover, normalizing discussions about mental health in our communities is fundamental for reducing stigma: by sharing our own experiences, we empower others to feel safe and comfortable sharing their stories as well.

Extending these conversations beyond the community and into the workplace is equally essential. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme is “Mental Health at Work,” underscoring the importance of feeling supported and comfortable in the workplace. Recognizing that work-related stress can significantly impact employee well-being, this theme encourages organizations to prioritize mental health initiatives. Companies can cultivate a healthy, supportive work environment by fostering open communication, allowing for flexible work arrangements, and creating employee support networks.

In addition, the impact of drug use, especially among children, can substantially affect mental health. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, mental disorders “commonly co-occurring with substance use disorders include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, disorders of psychosis, borderline and antisocial personality disorders, and others” (NIDA). Educating our children about the dangers of drug use is critical in ensuring their overall well-being. Milford Prevention Council (MPC) is dedicated to raising awareness about youth substance use through prevention education, collaboration with law enforcement, and community engagement. MPC offers programs such as Mental Health First Aid Training, Naloxone training, and more, to equip the community with knowledge and resources. For more information on how to get involved with MPC and access invaluable resources, please visit

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