STORY

World Mental Health Day emphasizing need to address inequality

Event’s 2021 theme is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’
By Staff
////

World Mental Health Day emphasizing need to address inequality

World Mental Health Day is Oct. 10, 2021, and this year’s theme is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World.’

Mental health is critical to overall health and well-being, no matter who you are. But here in the U.S. and abroad, millions of people aren’t getting the care they need. World Mental Health Day is a time to bring awareness to the underlying issues and inspire people to take action.

Mental health stigma: This refers to widespread misconceptions about mental health, such as belief that seeking help for mental health makes someone weak. Stigma is harmful because it can cause people to avoid acknowledging, addressing or even talking about mental health concerns out of fear they’ll be judged or suffer professional consequences.

Stigma can disproportionately impact people from marginalized communities, such as people of color or LGBTQ+ individuals. Due to historical and ongoing injustice and discrimination, people from certain communities lack trust in any part of the health care system. People also may feel reluctant to take on an additional marginalized identity such as “mentally ill.” In some cultures, it’s also looked down upon to seek help, and can be seen as “airing dirty laundry.”

Socioeconomic inequality: The World Federation for Mental Health notes that health, economic and social inequalities continue to grow. A person’s socioeconomic status — their combination of education, income and occupation — plays a large role in their mental health status as well. People with less disposable income are less likely to be able to afford care.

Seeking and engaging with mental health care doesn’t just take money; it also requires non-monetary resources like time, transportation and even child care. People who don’t have a car, or whose jobs lack flexibility, often simply can’t find the time to get the care they need.

What can you do to help? Worldwide inequalities affecting the mental health of millions is a heavy topic, and it can leave us wondering what can possibly be done. But every little bit counts, so here are a few suggestions:

  • Look after your own mental health: Making your mental health a priority will help you live a better life, and show up for the people you love, and even set an example for someone who’s hesitant to seek help.
  • Take a stand against stigma: You can practice using “person-first” language to break down stigma: For example, saying “a person with schizophrenia” instead of “a schizophrenic.”
  • Spread awareness: The more we know about mental health inequalities, the more we can take action in our everyday lives. Start by sharing the World Mental Health Day website with friends or family.

A digital solution for poor sleep: If you’ve been struggling with sleep, your mental and physical well-being may be affected. CU Health Plan offers a benefit that may be able to help.

Sleepio is an online sleep improvement program proven to help you clear your mind, improve your sleep, and help you have better days in just six weeks. The program uses cognitive behavioral techniques that are backed by decades of clinical research, and has been shown in studies to help people fall asleep 54% faster, spend 62% less time awake at night, and have 45% better functioning the next day. Try Sleepio today and start sleeping better tonight.

Sleepio is available at no additional cost to members enrolled in any CU Health Plan administered by Anthem/CVS.

Get started

Disclaimer: Sleepio may not be suitable for everyone, please review the associated safety information by going to the Suitability Page for more details prior to starting the program.

Content provided by CU Health Plan