Leon Barretto

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October each year. World Mental Health Day spreads awareness about mental health  gradually improving, eliminating misconceptions and myths. World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. Society increasingly recognizes the importance of mental health, therefore the opportunities for addressing mental wellness are growing.

Mental health services lack human and financial resources in many countries, particularly low and middle income countries. More funding is needed to promote mental health to increase people's awareness of the issue. Mental health therapy is often seen as expensive and difficult to access, with long waiting times, and technology is key to unlocking this to a wide range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. VR treatment can be used to enhance face to face therapy, allowing the patient to experience and confront situations they would find difficult in the real world, virtually, from the comfort of their own home, with the help of their Virtual therapist. This can be particularly important for patients who struggle to leave their home as a result of their mental health problems

Service to more people: Technology can help mental health providers offer treatment to people in remote areas or to many people in times of sudden need. Technology can provide 24 hour monitoring or intervention support. Treatment can take place anytime and anywhere.

How to observe this day

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to help improve mental health. What better way to celebrate it than to implement some positive actions? In preparation for this October 10, consider doing the following:

• Raise awareness.

• Sign on for self-care.

• Participate in an official World Mental Health Day event.

• Take a self-assessment.