Today is World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year is very appropriate:

“It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”

World Mental Health Day was established on 10 October, 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. Since then, it has been observed every year. The aim is to raise awareness in the global community about critical mental health agendas. This is done through collaboration with various partners. Their goal is to take action and create lasting change.

In the Canadian Armed Forces and our police, fire and emergency medical services the acceptance of mental health issues and operational stress injuries (OSI) is slowly being accepted. For those of us who suffer from an OSI, it is not coming fast enough.

Too many of my fellow veterans and first responders are choosing to end their suffering by their own hand.

Along with acknowledging World Mental Health Day, a friend of mine is marking today in a special way. It is the 7th anniversary of her husband, an RCMP constable, taking his own life. A tragedy that left her and her children devastated. She has benefited greatly from the programs offered by Wounded Warriors Canada. Many other family members of veterans and first responders have also benefited. Please help WWC provide these essential programs by clicking on the donate button below:

Over the years, this day has gained momentum. It has become a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals. They develop initiatives that focus on various aspects of mental health care. Founded by the World Federation for Mental Health, World Mental Health Day aims to champion mental health in the workplace. The goal is to build best practices. These practices create cultures where workers have the potential to contribute productively and thrive.

Please visit the World Mental Health Day website to learn more about the ways that they are looking to improve mental health around the world.

Ride The Road To Valour