World Mental Health Day 2023: What's it all about?

Tuesday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. It's a global event that aims to raise more awareness about mental health conditions.

This year's theme was set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and states: "Mental health is a universal human right".

It's about recognising the importance it plays in all our lives and driving positive change for everyone's mental health.

World Mental Health Day aims to encourage governments around the world to do more to support mental health and wellbeing, and empower people to help make a lasting change.

What is a mental health issue?

When people talk about mental health, they're talking about how people think and feel, and how they're coping with things that happen in their life.

Mental health is something that affects everyone, just like physical health.

It's completely normal to feel sad, angry or worried from time to time, but when those feelings won't go away and they start to really affect day-to-day life, that is when there can be a problem and it is time to seek help.

Tips for looking after your mental health

If you're struggling with your mental health, or you know someone else who is, the most important thing is to make sure this information is shared with a responsible and trusted adult.

There are a number of other handy tips and tricks you can try out if there are times when you're not feeling too great, and you can suggest these to friends and family too:

• Make sure you're getting enough sleep.

• Spend time outdoors.

• Plan something to look forward to like reading a new book, baking something tasty, or taking part in a sport you love.

• Make sure your diet is healthy and balanced, which includes having the odd treat here and there too.

• Help others as giving back can actually help make us feel good.

• Take part in a physical activity - this can include things like walking, dancing, cycling and even a game of hide and seek or tag!

• Spend time with supportive people - these could be friends, family members or people at school - even if you aren't able to meet in person, online hangouts can be just as beneficial.

What can I do if I'm struggling with my mental health?

If you're worried about your mental health, wellbeing, or if you have any questions, it's really important to speak to an adult that you trust. It might be a parent, teacher or even an older relative.

Mental health problems are very common and there is someone who can help you.

You can also ring Childline for free on 0800 11 11.