World Mental Health Month

Blog cover image of the mental health awareness month symbol (squiggles in the shape of a brain). Text on blog header reads "Mental Health Month - Mental Health, Well-being & Recovery"

About Mental Health Awareness Day 

The World Federation for Mental Health started this mental health awareness campaign in 1992 and it has been celebrated yearly since. World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about global mental health issues. It creates the opportunity for people to call for action and advocate for change in mental health. 

Every year, the World Federation for Mental Health sets the theme for World Mental Health Day; this year’s theme is: 

‘Mental health is a universal human right”

October is World Mental Health Month, and on Tuesday, 10 October, we celebrated World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is Hope, Strength and Action. 

 

Mental Health and Our Finances 

When it comes to our money, financial stress and worry – such as the increases in the cost of living – can have a negative effect on our mental health.  

Your mental health can be one of the first things to suffer when you experience any sort of financial difficulties. It could be unexpected expenses, such as, the washing machine breaking or maybe forgetting that an annual bill, such as a car or house insurance, is due. It could be just generally worrying about how you can pay for all the things you need – a sense of overwhelm can be enough to trigger a negative mental health experience. 

 

Mental health is a universal human right 

World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

We can all play a role in increasing our awareness of mental health. Have open conversations about mental to help break down the stigma attached and support those suffering by providing hope. 

If you are chatting with a friend or family member and feel they might be struggling, you must listen. If you feel they have the mental strength, signpost them to any of the supports outlined below so they can take action. 

However, if you don’t think they’re ready to reach out, just be there for them. Often, a burden shared is a burden halved. Sometimes, having someone listen and understand what you’re going through will give you the courage to take the next step towards taking back control of your situation.  

 

How MABS can help 

We know it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed and a sense of losing control with rising costs. We also know that asking for help can be the start of a journey towards taking control. 

MABS offers free help and advice on all kinds of debt, from mortgage arrears to regulated moneylender debt. The advice is confidential, independent and non-judgmental. MABS has a tried-and-tested approach for managing debt and for helping to reduce stress.

Contact and Support

Take the first step, you can call a MABS adviser to get started and feel the weight begin to lift. 

To find out about the mental health services and supports available in your area, call the YourMentalHealth information line on Freephone 1800 111 888. You can also send a text to 50808 to get support and information about services. 

Some other supports that can help: 

You can also go to the Mental Health Ireland website for national supports and county-by-county supports. https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/support.