World Mental Health Day 2024

This Thursday, the 10th of October, the world will observe World Mental Health Day 2024.

The theme this year, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is:

“It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”

In this article, we’ll explain World Mental Health Day and discuss its theme. We’ll also provide some useful tips, advice and resources to support mental health in the workplace.

What is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day was created to raise awareness of the various mental health struggles of people across the world and to help rally support for them.

It is a chance for everyone to join together and shine a light on mental health, for the greater good of society!

The theme for World Mental Health Day this year

This year, the focus is on burnout – a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Although not technically medically diagnosed, it can affect your mental and physical health if it is treated or acknowledged. Burnout is not a condition that happens overnight, it takes hold gradually before causing damage.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.

Although not technically medically diagnosed, it can affect your mental and physical health if it is treated or acknowledged.

“9 in 10 UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year.” – Mental Health UK

Recognised by the World Health Organisation, burnout is viewed as an “occupational phenomenon.”

Burnout is also seen as a syndrome related to chronic workplace stress that has not been dealt with successfully.

There are believed to be three dimensions that it is characterised by:

Although it can be seen as a direct result of work-related stress, the term applies to general prolonged stress.

The following lifestyle and work factors are believed to be the main contributors:

You can read our full article about burnout here.

Tips to prevent burnout

Are you keen to keep burnout at bay? We’ve put together five tips to help you. It’s worth considering the following to avoid feelings of burnout in life and at work:

Focus on what is important: Try to remain present in the moment. This can apply to work and play – if you’re in a meeting, pay attention and if you’re out with friends, be engaged. This ensures that you are paying attention to what is important, and not spreading yourself thin
Remember to only commit to what you can manage: Before you agree to plans, understand that time cannot be replaced and that it may last longer than agreed. Your time is precious and you can’t get it back
Make time for you: It is more than acceptable to set time aside for yourself – don’t let other responsibilities encroach on this time. You are allowed to say no
Adopt healthy habits: Get good quality sleep and plenty of it, eat healthy and hearty meals to fuel you, exercise as often as you can – these are all healthy habits to adopt and practice to ensure you do not burnout
Reach out: If you’re struggling, reach out to your loved ones, colleagues or friends. Your cup may need to be refilled!

Useful resources this World Mental Health Day

Mental Health UK has put together a plethora of resources created to help spread awareness of burnout, self-care steps and how to prioritise workplace mental health. You can find them here.

In addition to this, you can find many articles to support your mental health and wellbeing on our website here.

If you are struggling with burnout, just know that is it temporary – adopting the right habits and getting help when you need it will greatly improve how you’re feeling.