World Observes Oct. 10 as Mental Health Day

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com

World Mental Health Day is observed on Oct. 10 each year across the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The observance of the day is to raise awareness of mental health issues and combat the stigma that surrounds mental health, said Alex Kerwin, clinical coordinator of the Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment (COPE).

“In our world every day is mental health day because that is what we do day in and day out,” Kerwin said. “But, I think the importance of [WMH Day] is to combat that stigma of seeking help.”

Twitter users around the world took to the social media platform to advocate for the observance of today by using the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay.

Mississippian political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey stated he believes those who battle mental health issues daily are some of the strongest people.

Photo via Twitter

The University of Mississippi offers students, faculty and staff resources for issues related to mental health such as COPE and the University Counseling Center.

COPE—located at 2301 South Lamar Blvd. in the old Baptist Memorial Hospital— is a training clinic open to the public. Services are provided by graduate students who are pursuing their master’s in mental health, Kerwin said. The mental health facility offers counseling to individuals, couples and groups.

The University Counseling Center—located 320 Lester Hall on the Ole Miss campus— also offers a variety of services to students, faculty and staff that also includes crisis intervention in case of emergencies.

For more information on World Mental Health Day, visit the organization’s website. Visit COPE or the University Counseling Center for information regarding counseling or other mental health services.