World Mental Health Day 2016: All you need to know about this year's theme 'Psychological First Aid'

Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day. The day is observed every year to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

The theme for this year is 'Psychological First Aid'. The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for the people.

According to the World Health Organisation, "If we don't act urgently, by 2030 depression will be the leading illness globally." The World Mental Health Day was first marked in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

According to Sphere (2011) and IASC (2007), psychological first aid (PFA) describes a humane, supportive response to a fellow human being who is suffering and who may
need support. PFA involves the following themes:

» providing practical care and support, which does not intrude;
» assessing needs and concerns;
» helping people to address basic needs (for example, food and water, information);
» listening to people, but not pressuring them to talk;
» comforting people and helping them to feel calm;
» helping people connect to information, services and social supports;
» protecting people from further harm

More info here.