#DidYouKnow close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds and that for every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide every year?
Suicide, although preventable when timely interventions is employed is said to be the third leading cause of death amongst 15-19-year-olds. Common methods globally arrowed down to ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms.
The above deeply troubling statistics from the World Health Organization begs for a reawakening of humanity as we bring to fore the importance of our mental health. At our every turn, the long-lasting effect of suicide changes lives forever. Over time, the link between depression – a common mood disorder has been well established as it can lead to suicidal thoughts. Further strengthening the heartwrenching narrative , in recent times, the global world has been brutally hit by the coronavirus pandemic, leading to loss of lives, crippling world economies, fear and uncertainty as well as severe complications including death.
Now more than ever, the need to sound the alarm about the importance of mental health is of utmost importance.
#WorldMentalHealthDay an initiative of The World Health Organisation is celebrated on the 10th October every year.
This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is ‘mental health for all’.
This year on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, the World Health Organization will, for the first time ever, host a global online advocacy event on mental health.
5 Mental Health Tips To Help You Lead A Good Quality Life Culled From WHO:
A good quality life equates having good mental health, your mental health is of utmost importance because it goes a long way to affect your everyday living, health and relationships as well.
- Keep informed. Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities. Follow trusted news channels, such as local and national TV and radio, and keep up-to-date with the latest news from @WHO on social media.
- Have a routine. Keep up with daily routines as far as possible, or make new ones.
- Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.
- Keep up with personal hygiene.
- Eat healthy meals at regular times.
- Exercise regularly.
- Allocate time for working and time for resting.
- Make time for doing things you enjoy.
- Minimize newsfeeds. Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed.
- Social contact is important. If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you by telephone and online channels.
- Alcohol and drug use. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol at all. Don’t start drinking alcohol if you have not drunk alcohol before. Avoid using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation.There is no evidence of any protective effect of drinking alcohol for viral or other infections. In fact, the opposite is true as the harmful use of alcohol is associated with increased risk of infections and worse treatment outcomes.And be aware that alcohol and drug use may prevent you from taking sufficient precautions to protect yourself again infection, such as compliance with hand hygiene.
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