#WMHD
Share your Initiative
We would love to hear from you about the campaigns, events and programs you are planning to organise for World Mental Health Day 2023. You can also download our WMHD 2023 Campaign Toolkit to learn more about how you can organise a demonstration in support of mental health and participate in our Global Campaign 2023. You can share about your initiatives and activities through the given submission form.
Some of the best initiatives will be shared on the Official Website of World Mental Health Day 2023. We encourage you to share the images, videos and posters from the demonstrations and programs that you organise for World Mental Health Day 2023 with us. You can upload your material on Google Drive and share its accessible link with us using the Submission Form.
Be a Partner – Be an Advocate
FEATURING
GLOBAL EVENTS 2023
Global Events 2023
Have a glance at the different events and initiatives being conducted by stakeholders across the world that are featured under the ambit of the Global Campaign 2023. You can also join our campaign by sharing the initiative organised by you for WMHD 2023.
London
6th September 2023
Bart’s Academic Afternoon on "Psychiatry without Coercion – Myth or Vision"
Qatar
10th - 13th October 2023
Mental Health Festival
India
7th August 2023
Sensationalism or Sensitivity—Do Words Matter? The Importance of Communication
India
14th - 16th August 2023
Public Mental Health - Mental Health of the people, by the people, for the people
USA
2023
DECCA Records
In recognition of World Mental Health Day 2023, the World Federation for Mental Health is delighted to feature a composition by Chad Lawson from Decca Records US, a part of Universal Music Group – Stay as the official music of the WFMH Global Campaign 2023.
“Stay is about finding those times that are fleeting but buffer the soul and you think: I don’t want this moment to end. That place of stillness where you can heal your wounds and rejuvenate and then go back into the real world.”
London
24th September 2023
Vitality London 10.000
The London Marathon Events Limited is organising two campaigns, the #DoItForYou campaign and the Run to Overcome wave, in association with Mental Health Mates in London on 24th September.
#DoItForYou aims to encourage people to get active to support their mental health and wellbeing. The well-established mental health benefits of activity include improving self-esteem, stimulating chemical changes in the brain to boost mood, improving sleep, and managing stress and anxiety.
The Run to Overcome wave will be the final wave to set off in the mass participation event, with no pressure on participants to achieve a fast time. It will focus on running for your head and your heart and having fun in the process.
Greece
27th September 2023
The Society of Preventive Psychiatry
The Society of Preventive Psychiatry is having a live celebration in Psychiko, Athens, Greece, in the presence of Ministers of the Greek Government, the President of the Academy of Athens, and the Dean of Athens University, with the following Professors of Psychiatry as speakers- Prof. George Christodoulou (Athens University), Former President, WFMH; Prof. Marina Economou (Athens University); Prof. Nikos Tzavaras (University of Thrace); Prof. Nikos Christodoulou (University of Thessaly).
Greece
6th October 2023
The Society of Preventive Psychiatry
The Society of Preventive Psychiatry is organising electronic event in collaboration with the European Association of Professors Emeriti and Epioni, to celebrate World Mental Health Day with the following participants: George Christodoulou, Spyros Zorbas, Sir Leslie Ebdon, Nasser Loza, Danuta Wasserman, Norman Sartorius , Afzal Javed, Vasilis Bozikas, Stecy Igemonos, Ledia Lazeri, Kelly Panagiotopoulouand Nikos Christodoulou.
The Deputy Minister of Health on matters of Mental Health – Dr Dimitrios Vartzopoulos will offer a Salutation.
India
2023
MindFit
Australia
4th October 2023
Mental Health Workforce in the Pacific Region: Horizons and Hurdles
Oceania Mental Health Advisory Committee is organising a webinar on 4th October focused on ‘Mental Health Workforce in the Pacific Region: Horizons and Hurdles’ in collaboration with the World Federation for Mental Health to recognise World Mental Health Day 2023. The event will include several speakers, including Sir Colin Tukuitonga (New Zealand), Sir Colin Tukuitonga (New Zealand), Dr. Kuinileti Changwai (Samoa) etc and will be moderated by Professor Michele Rumsey AM.
India
13th October 2023
Meraki 2023
India
20th September 2023
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College of Delhi University
In order to recognize World Mental Health Day 2023, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College, Delhi organised various activities on the theme- ‘Creating Hope through Expressive Arts’, on 20th September 2023. The event commenced with a compelling street play highlighting the pressing issues affecting youth, such as job security, failure, and isolation. Following the play, two engaging activities were conducted- rock painting and scavenger hunt. For rock painting, all students and teachers of the college were invited to write positive affirmations on painted rocks. Additionally, in the scavenger hunt, people were asked to write about things that inspire them or make them happy on a sticky note and then paste it on the board.
Nepal
10h October 2023
Dept. of Psychiatry, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan
A cycle rally will be organised by the Department of Psychiatry, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal on 10 October 2023 to advocate for mental health awareness. This will be followed by an interaction with Dharan Sub Metropolitan City officials to help promote dialogue about the importance of mental well-being, in recognition of World Mental Health Day 2023.
Kenya
10th October 2023
Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital
Switzerland
10th October 2023
Pacific Discovery
A team of four people rowed 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean, from Monterey Bay to Hanalei Bay, Kauai, to help shine a light on mental health. The aim of this journey for the team members was to test their risk limits and resiliency under extreme endurance conditions and help advocate mental health by trying to raise funds for the cause. On 10 October 2023, they will be sharing the story of their 34-day journey and insights on building a mentally resilient team. The event will take place in a hybrid mode—offline in Zurich, Switzerland, and online for viewers across the world.
United Kingdom
10h October 2023
It's a Playground Ltd
It’s a Playground Ltd. will be hosting a free workshop for people aged 18 and above. The workshop will be held online on 10th October and will offer a dynamic blend of anonymous polls, videos, activities, and interactive chats. The key topics will include understanding mental health, addressing the impact of mental health issues and stigma, basic methods for maintaining overall well-being (mental, physical, and social), an introduction to the stress container concept and tool, recognizing signs of poor mental health in oneself and others, and gaining the confidence to provide support. Attendees will also receive a digital handbook containing additional tools and resources for their personal use or sharing within their communities.
India
10th October 2023
Hamsa Homeopathy Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre
A National Seminar on Mental Health will be conducted by Hamsa Homeopathy Medical College, Telangana, India on 10th October 2023. The event will present an array of speakers who are experts in the fields of psychology and psychiatry. An expected turnout of 650 students, internees, PG scholars, and doctors of various streams would be attending the event. This is the second edition after the success of a similar event last year in 2022.
Nepal
10th October 2023
Nepal Health Magazine
An online event ‘Mental Health IEC Exhibition and Anxiety Check-Up’ will be organised by Nepal Health Magazine on 10th October 2023. People can experience the power of art through a variety of thought-provoking drawings, which will be showcased exploring mental health themes. In addition to the exhibition, a special opportunity will be presented to assess anxiety levels for free! By visiting the website https://nepalhealthmag.com/are-you-anxious-check-now-free/, anyone can access a simple, confidential anxiety check-up tool that will provide valuable insights about the person’s well-being.
India
6th to 13th October 2023
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India-492099
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur will be organising various events and activities to recognize World Mental Health Day 2023. These will be held offline from 6th to 13th October 2023. In the Workplace Harmony Campaign, Nursing Officers posted in the Department of Psychiatry will visit wards of various departments to spread the message of “Working with Harmony.” ‘Gatekeeper training for suicide prevention’ will be arranged to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to identify, support, and refer peers who may be at risk of suicide. A workshop for parenting, designed to provide parents with valuable insights, practical strategies, and a supportive community to navigate the unique joys and challenges of parenting children in this crucial developmental stage will be organised. Team building activities for students of MBBS and BSc will be held, intended to cultivate awareness and empathy towards mental health. A visit to an old age home for mental health camp will be undertaken to focus on promoting mental well-being, providing support, and creating a nurturing environment for the elderly residents. Mental Wellbeing and “ME” will be an interactive didactic lecture for nursing officers of the institute, focusing on work-life balance and efficient working for mental well-being.
Colombia
7th to 9th October 2023
Fundación Kharmino
Mental Health Fest Usme will be organised by Fundación Kharmino from 7th to 9th October 2023 as a platform for people to come together and engage in discussions regarding mental health. The goal is to reduce social stigma surrounding mental health. The fest will take place on October 7 at the La Marichuela Public School Library starting at 11 a.m. and the closing will take place on October 9 at the Somos Usme Auditorium of Portal Transmilenio at 8:00 a.m.
Philippines
9th to 10th October 2023
Rotary Community Corps Ilaw ng Tahanan
On 9th and 10th October 2023, community members, mostly mothers, will gather for a walkathon around Tiaong Convention Hall, Quezon, Philippines. The members will wear blue shirts to show their support for the mental health initiative by Rotary District 3820. The event will also include speakers who will talk about mental health and addiction, focusing on prevention and measures to help promote mental well-being at home.
USA
10th October 2023
Intercultural Psychology
Intercultural Psychology aims to organise a day-long event with an exciting lineup of interactive sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging dynamics led by Nadia Thalji, PhD, a renowned expert in the field of Intercultural Psychology. The event shall cover various aspects of mental health, including cross-cultural perspectives on mental health, self-care practices, destigmatization efforts, coping mechanisms, and the importance of seeking help when needed. Additionally, it will include a live poetry performance, resources for mental health practitioners, mindfulness exercises, and giveaways. The online event will take place through Zoom on 10th October, 2023.
Australia
16th to 18th October 2023
Creating Futures
Creating Futures aims to organise an event to recognise World Mental Health Day 2023. The event will be held online from 16th-18th October 2023. CF23 is set to build upon the established connections and partnerships developed during its collaboration with the inaugural national mental health conference in the Maldives, known as OEVARU. This collaboration will include a half-day simultaneous event where participants from different regions can exchange insights regarding the commonalities and distinctions in addressing mental health issues in Pacific and Indian Ocean island societies.
Ukraine
October 2023
International Platform on Mental Health
‘Ukrainian Library of Mental Health and Well-Being’ is an online resource portal by the International Platform on Mental Health that collects reliable, relevant, and effective (in terms of individual and societal health) information material and modern communication technologies freely accessible to broad sections of the population.
It helps combat the issue of misinformation or unverified information being present in excessive quantities, leading to an information overload and general mistrust in society. The social initiative contributes to the formation of social trust in modern psychological science and aims to involve broad sections of the population of Ukraine in building a health-responsive society.
Along with this, the International Platform on Mental Health has released video records called ‘Lady: Contemporary Time and Mental Health. New faces of modern heroes’, which aim to contribute to the mental well-being of the people in Ukraine. These records focus on how contemporary ladies can look after their own mental health in the context of war with the help of “stories of success”.
India
1st to 30th October 2023
Amaha Health
Amaha and Youth for Mental Health present the #RightToSelf Campaign – a month-long initiative to recognize (self) this World Mental Health Day!
Through this campaign, we aim to encourage the youth to prioritize their well-being, ignite meaningful conversations amongst students around mental well-being while engaging them in creative events and activities. The campaign seeks to empower students to make their mental health a priority through campus-based initiatives and a big campus-wide event around WMHD 2023!
Greece
October 2023
Military Mental Health Center
Military Mental Health Center will organise a conference on 16th October, 2023 at 424 General Military Training Hospital in Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece to recognise World Mental Health Day 2023. The conference will aim to inform military personnel, healthcare professionals, and the public about the importance of mental health as a universal human right.
USA
October 2023
Spiritual First Aid
The Church Mental Health Summit presents a complimentary one-day virtual conference scheduled for October 10th, which coincides with World Mental Health Day. This event is available on-demand, affording you the flexibility to select and view your preferred presentations at your convenience, and at a time and place of your choosing during the event day.
Our lineup boasts an impressive array of over 65 speakers, including renowned experts such as Dr. John Townsend and Kay Warren. The agenda encompasses a wide range of topics, spanning church health, leadership well-being, and community welfare. By participating in the Church Mental Health Summit, you will gain valuable insights that will empower you as a leader, equip you to provide support to others, and enable you to foster a culture of care within your church community.
Nepal
10th October 2023
Rhythm Hospital and Neuropsychiatry centre
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2023, Rhythm Hospital and Neuropsychiatry center is hosting a “Rally for Mental Health” to celebrate mental health as an essential human right. The rally will feature banners and placards that emphasize the significance of mental health and aim to raise awareness about mental illnesses.
Within the hospital setting, the focus will be on nurturing the mental well-being of in-patients throughout the week. Activities will include therapeutic dance and yoga sessions designed to promote relaxation and overall well-being. Additionally, there will be an exciting talent showcase, providing patients with an opportunity to display their talents, and a heartfelt token of appreciation will be awarded to the most outstanding performer.
To reach a broader audience, interviews in the native language, Nepali, will be conducted and shared on various social media platforms. Through these interviews, the goal is to shed light on the critical importance of mental health, dispel myths related to psychiatric illnesses and psychotropics, and advocate for mental health as a universal human right. The aspiration is to create a profound and positive impact on society by dispelling misconceptions surrounding mental illness and championing the rights and well-being of individuals facing mental health challenges.
India
10th October 2023
Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College Paprola
On October 10th, the Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College in Paprola will be hosting a mental health-focused yoga event, featuring a comprehensive program that includes asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, music therapy, and raga chikitsa.
Nigeria
10th October 2023
Menthali
On the 10th of October, Mentali aims to organise an event around the theme “Mental Health and Human Rights”. The primary objective of this event is to raise awareness among young individuals regarding their rights concerning mental health, with a particular focus on Nigeria. The event will take the form of a panel discussion on Twitter, featuring speakers representing various sectors, including social work, law, and humanitarian advocacy. Importantly, youths will have the opportunity to pose questions pertaining to their mental health, receiving answers in real-time.
Nigeria
11th October 2023
Abadina Grammer School, University of Ibadan
Abadina Grammer School, aims to sensitize students about various aspects of mental health, including prevention, promotion, and protection. Additionally, it will feature an expressive art therapy session, providing students with a creative outlet through activities like writing, doodling, drawing, and colouring to enhance their individual mental well-being. The primary target audience would be adolescents.
Australia
17th October 2023
BEING - Mental Health Consumers
On the 17th of October, BEING – Mental Health Consumers is collaborating with the Australian Human Rights Commission to organize a fishbowl discussion. The event will take place at the Commission’s offices and aims to explore the theme of this year, which emphasizes that “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.” The event will feature notable attendees, including Rosalind Croucher, the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, alongside CEOs from various mental health advocacy and frontline service organizations, as well as representatives from social justice organizations, researchers, academics, and politicians. This gathering of diverse voices underscores the significance of discussing this crucial topic.
Saudi Arabia
10th October 2023
Eradah Complex & Mental Health in the Northern Border ECMH-NB
ECMH-NB, located in Ar’ar, Northern Saudi Arabia, is hosting an online webinar on the 10th of October, with a specific focus on ‘Saudi Board Postgraduate Residency in Psychiatry in Ar’ar: The Glory Journey’. The webinar will delve into various aspects of Social Accountability Domains, encompassing Service Provision, Training & Psychiatry Education, and Research. Dr. Mohammedelamin Bin Mukrim, MBBS, MSc HPE, Clinical MD Psychiatry, the Program Director, will be delivering these presentations, and the session will be chaired by Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Alsalal, the Executive Director of the Hospital.
Zoom Details:
Meeting ID: 745 5756 0829
Passcode: ECMH-NB
USA
10th October 2023
Touchstone Mental Health
To recognize the World Mental Health Day 2023, Touchstone Mental Health will organise a special event on October 10, 2023, aimed at honoring and showing appreciation for their staff members committed to the field of behavioral health. As a token of gratitude and recognition, apples will be distributed across all of their programs. This gesture symbolizes the deep appreciation for the staff’s unwavering dedication and the crucial role they play in supporting the mental well-being of individuals within the community.
Italy
10th October 2023
"Accademia Musicale Mediterranea" and "Lucania Musicale"
On the 10th of October, an event titled “MusicalMENTE – Brahms’ Music for Mental Health” will take place with the support of the Mayor, the Cultural Department, and the Municipality of Taranto. This event is organized by the “Lucania Musicale” Association in Matera and the “Accademia Musicale Mediterranea” under the direction of Maestro Cosimo Damiano Lanza, and it is conceptualized by Romiria Lauria in commemoration of World Mental Health Day. The program features pianists Eleonora Lanza and Romiria Lauria performing Brahms’ Hungarian Dances and Ballades. The conference on mental health will include distinguished speakers such as Dr. Maria Pia Bianchi Zamorani from Geneva, who will discuss “Medical Hypnosis,” and Dr. Massimiliano Scapecchi, who will elaborate on “Integrated Medicine, Music, and the RIME Method.” The media coordination will be handled by Dina Turco, while Luigi Lauria will oversee the event’s coordination.
USA
10th October 2023
Clubhouse International
Clubhouse International presents the Community WORKS campaign which focuses on the community aspect of the Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation and how it transforms lives; working side-by-side, members and staff support, foster and encourage recovery. Clubhouses help members end social isolation by coming together in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Its goal is to grow awareness of the Clubhouse Model around the world by focusing on our community-based programming and elevating the voice of lived experience; build recognition and involvement with community partners; and encourage key stakeholders to invest in mental health services, such as Clubhouse.
Campaign Strategy: (1) Develop and follow a concerted social media strategy with particular emphasis on the month leading up to World Mental Health Day (WMHD). (2) Develop a Clubhouse community celebration event on October 10.
Campaign’s Impact of Community on Mental Health
– A sense of belonging where you can be yourself and are appreciated for your unique qualities.
– Support from a group of people who can help you through difficult situations.
– A feeling of purpose where everyone in a community fills different roles.
India
10th October 2023
Pharma Health Club, School of Pharmacy, RK University
To celebrate the World Mental Health Day, Pharma Health club of School of Pharmacy in RK University will host an expert session by Dr. Bhumi khanpara, M.D Psychiatrist, Padmakumara Hospital on “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”, an Online Quiz, Rubik Cube Solving Competition and Doodle Art Competition. The same will be held in the Seminar Hall of RK University.
Benin
10th to 14th October 2023
Festival International du Bien-être mental
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, a festival is set to take place in Benin, with its opening ceremony scheduled for October 10, 2023. This comprehensive event aims to promote awareness and understanding of mental health. In addition to the opening ceremony, the festival will feature various activities, including a play and a Vernissage showcasing communications centered on the theme of mental health. These communications will address crucial topics such as the significance of mental health care, recognizing warning signs in mental health, methods to maintain good mental health, and avenues for seeking support or assistance within the Republic of Benin.
A second phase of the festival will involve engaging with local businesses and universities to foster discussions and awareness around mental health. This initiative will focus on the theme chosen for this year’s Mental Health Day.
India
8th October 2023
Zee Media Global Mindcare Conclave
On 8th October 2023, Zee Media Global Mindcare Conclave was held in collaboration with Rotary, CIMBS, and WFMH.
Rotary, CIMBS, and WFMH came together to train 100,000 individuals in Psychological First Aid over the next few years, equipping them to act as first responders. The day-long Conclave took place on Sunday, and the event was recorded.
An edited half-hour package from the Conclave will be broadcasted on various Zee TV channels, social media platforms, and news websites on 10th October 2023. The scheduled times and channels for the broadcast are as follows:
- 2:00 pm on Zee Salam
- 3:00 pm on Zee Delhi NCR Haryana (Zee DNH)
- 5:00 pm on Zee Hindustan
Argentina
10th October 2023
Asociación Argentina de Salud Mental
“Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”
Invitation to celebrate with mental health service users at the door of the Alvarez Hospital at 10 a.m.