October 2023

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we unite around a fundamental truth: that mental health is a human right.

This truth underscores the imperative for universal access to crisis support and suicide prevention infrastructure and services, ensuring they are accessible precisely when and where they are most needed. Just as we promptly respond to physical health crises, it is equally crucial to extend the same level of urgency and compassion to mental health and suicide crises.

Crisis support services are now available in approximately 100 countries, offering telephone helplines, crisis chat, and text services to people from all walks of life, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances. During times of profound adversity and emotional distress, individuals can find it difficult to cope with life’s challenges, putting their mental well-being at risk.

Reaching out through a crisis support service provides a lifeline for those grappling with overwhelming emotions, offering comfort and a pathway to their next steps. It is our shared belief that every individual, regardless of their geographical location, should have access to a crisis support service during moments of immediate need.

Each nation and community has a responsibility to promote the availability and use of crisis support services, and through this, assisting to realise the universal human right to mental health. We encourage the promotion of international websites that link people to crisis support, like the Find a Helpline website, or via our Members.

Our commitment to this highlights the importance of prioritising mental health for all, reflecting our collective strides towards a world where suicide can be prevented and where mental health matters.

#WMHD23 #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #GlobalAwareness