World Mental Health Day: Why it is important to speak up

10 October 2021 marks World Mental Health Day. The theme of this year’s occasion is “Mental Health in an unequal world“. This theme, is set by the World Federation for Mental Health. It focuses on reducing the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’. A gap that continues to grow with time and with the care of people with mental health concerns.

To mark the day, NRTC would like its readers and supporters to reflect on the past year. Particularly on how it may have impacted on your mental health.

The day provides an opportunity to reflect and talk openly about mental health in general; and the struggles you may be facing.

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma in the Black community against speaking about mental health. It is important to overcome this stigma, in order to access appropriate treatment and services. High profile athletes such as tennis star, Naomi Osaka and gymnast Simone Biles have spoken about their mental health struggles; and in doing so brought about a shift in the conversation about mental health.

So to mark the day, please take care of your mental well-being, be kind to yourself  and remember “its ok to not be ok”.