world mental health day world mental health day world mental health day (10 october) is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. it was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the world federation for mental health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. this day, each october, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on people's lives worldwide. in addition, this day provides an opportunity for mental health professionals to discuss and shed light on their work, making mental health a priority worldwide. in some countries this day is part of an awareness week, such as mental health week in australia. not to be confused with mental health day. world mental health daya rally for world mental health day 2014 in salem, tamil naduobserved byworld federation for mental health, world health organization, and member organizations of wfmhdate10 octobernext time10 october 2023 (2023-10-10)frequencyannual world mental health day 2015 in munich, germany history world mental health day was celebrated for the first time on october 10, 1992, at the initiative of deputy secretary general richard hunter. up until 1994, the day had no specific theme other than general promoting mental health advocacy and educating the public. in 1994 world mental health day was celebrated with a theme for the first time at the suggestion of then secretary general eugene brody. the theme was "improving the quality of mental health services throughout the world". world mental health day is supported by who through raising awareness on mental health issues using its strong relationships with the ministries of health and civil society organizations across the globe. who also supports with developing technical and communication material. on world mental health day 2018, prime minister theresa may appointed jackie doyle-price as the uk's first suicide prevention minister. this occurred while as the government hosted the first ever global mental health summit. world mental health day themes year theme 1994 improving the quality of mental health services throughout the world 1996 women and mental health 1997 children and mental health 1998 mental health and human rights 1999 mental health and aging 2000-01 mental health and work 2002 the effects of trauma and violence on children & adolescents 2003 emotional and behavioural disorders of children & adolescents 2004 the relationship between physical & mental health: co-occurring disorders 2005 mental and physical health across the life span 2006 building awareness – reducing risk: mental illness & suicide 2007 mental health in a changing world: the impact of culture and diversity 2008 making mental health a global priority: scaling up services through citizen advocacy and action 2009 mental health in primary care: enhancing treatment and promoting mental health 2010 mental health and chronic physical illnesses 2011 the great push: investing in mental health 2012 depression: a global crisis 2013 mental health and older adults 2014 living with schizophrenia 2015 dignity in mental health 2016 psychological first aid 2017 mental health in the workplace 2018 young people and mental health in a changing world 2019 mental health promotion and suicide prevention 2020 move for mental health: increased investment in mental health 2021 mental health in an unequal world 2022 make mental health & well-being for all a global priority