It’s OK if you are not feeling the flowery: Reflections on World Mental Health Day

Today, 10th October 2024, is World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organisation, “The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”

The internet and various social media apps/sites are filled with posts and pictures, but it seems like most of them are happy and flowery pictures. There is nothing wrong with nice pictures of hearts, flowers and happy images. However, on Mental Health Day, let’s also recognize (maybe own) the depression, anxiety, stress, overthinking, confusion, mourning, grief, anger, torment, and the many struggles we are experiencing.

Let’s see the pictures or text that express the feelings that may not be so pretty, to know that someone else is or has gone through them. Let’s be seen. The flowers and hearts may be the desired destination, but on World Mental Health Day, we should be careful not to promote that dealing with a messy mind is something to be ashamed of and that only those with flowery thoughts should be noted on this Day.

Let’s share resources so that those who are struggling can know where to go. Let’s check in on each other. Let’s call those we have not spoken to in a long time, even those who laugh the most and are always in a good mood, because mental health is not just about concerns but also a celebration of those who are very healthy.

So on this 10th October World Mental Health Day, give flowers and hearts if that is where you are mentally. However, if you are feeling a bit off, that’s okay too; just know that there are resources that can bring light when you find yourself in a dark place.