A Leicester-based solicitor has issued advice and awareness ahead of World Mental Health Day, which is focussed on ‘making mental health a global priority,’ especially in these “turbulent and unprecedented times.”
This year, World Mental Health Day falls on Monday (October 10), and Thaliwal & Veja Solicitors have highlighted the need to bring “parity between the impact of physical health issues and mental health issues.”
The company counts high quality legal advice in mental health law among its services.
“Often if a person close to you develops a health issue for example a broken leg, the response and support can be very clear and comprehensive. If that same person suffers from depression, the response can be less clear and ultimately less helpful at a time where support and understanding is so vital to recovery,” said director Ranjit Thaliwal.
“Keeping a clear and open mind and providing support to those with mental health challenges can make a huge difference,” he added. “Regularly communicating with them can be a massive boost. Start the change with yourself and with those around you.”
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on October 10 every year.
As well as raising awareness, it is an opportunity to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.
One in eight people around the globe live with mental health conditions, with the Covid-19 pandemic causing a 25 per cent increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.
It created a “global crisis for mental health,” according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“We have had a turbulent and unprecedented time recently coping with the global pandemic and all of its implications. It has been significant in the area of mental health as of course it created unique difficulties leading to increased challenges in the area of Mental Health matters,” said Mr Thaliwal,
“Being isolated was clearly one of those issues.
“We now move into a period where financial challenges may be significant for many people and households. This may be a factor in increasing mental health issues in the year ahead.”
Events to mark World Mental Health Day 2022 this year range from an international conference for mental health professionals in Italy to an improvised theatre event in Delhi, India, to raise awareness of the stigma around talking about suicidal thoughts.
To find out more, visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day
