What is Mental Health Awareness?

Mental Health Definition 

The definition of mental health, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.” 

People everywhere face many challenges every day, each taking its toll on their mental health. Global events such as the recent pandemic, climate crises or war would have a huge impact on the mental health of millions of people across the world, including children. 

According to Mind, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England. This highlights how much of an impact mental health problems have in England alone. If you add the alarming statistic from Mind that 1 in 15 people will attempt suicide, it’s clear to see why mental health awareness is so important. 

Mental Health Awareness Days 2024 

Each year, there are many mental health awareness days and events to promote the support and well-being of those struggling.  

Here’s a full list of the mental health awareness days, weeks, and months for the year of 2024: 

• Parental Mental Health Day: 27 January 2024 
• Time to Talk Day: 1 February 2024 
• Children's Mental Health Week: 5-11 February 2024 
• Eating Disorders Awareness Week: 28 February - 5 March 2024 
• Self-Injury Awareness Day: 1 March 2024 
• University Mental Health Day: 14 March 2024 
• World Bipolar Day: 30 March 2024 
• Stress Awareness Month: April 2024 
• Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: 13-19 May 2024 
• National Schizophrenia Awareness Day: 25 July 2024 
• World Suicide Prevention Day: 10 September 2024 
• World Mental Health Day: 10 October 2024 
• OCD Awareness Week: 13-19 October 2024 
• National Stress Awareness Day: 1 November 2024 
• Men's Mental Health Awareness Month: November 2024 
• Anti-Bullying Week: 11-17 November 2024 

Source: Mental Health UK 

Who Suffers from Mental Health Problems? 

Mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from. With billions of people worldwide experiencing various mental disorders and illnesses, it’s clear that these challenges don't discriminate. People from every background and walk of life face their own unique struggles. 

Certain groups are more likely to experience mental health issues due to specific reasons. Those who are constantly stressed, whether from demanding jobs, financial worries, or otherwise, are at higher risk. People who have gone through difficult experiences, such as abuse or the loss of a loved one, are also more prone to mental health struggles. Individuals who face discrimination or feel excluded, especially within minority communities, often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.  

Young people can also suffer from mental health problems, with school pressures, the impact of social media, and the challenges of finding their identity having an impact on them. 

How can you Improve Mental Health Awareness? 

Improving your awareness of mental health problems can be a crucial step in helping to support those who are struggling. It can be difficult to know where to start when you decide to develop a deeper understanding of mental health, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult or long process to gain knowledge and awareness of mental health awareness. 

Our online qualification hub has a huge range of courses designed to improve mental health awareness. From a short mental health awareness course you can complete in 25 minutes, to a free Level 2 course in Children And Young People's Mental Health, we have the options designed for your needs. 

View our full range of mental health courses