October 10 is World Mental Health Day, so let’s open up about our own mental health and not be afraid to ask for support. It is estimated that one in four people will experience poor mental health at some point in their lives, so openness is key.

1 in 4 will experience poor mental health at some point in their lives. Let's make the change. Start by sharing your thoughts with our tag #WorldMentalHealthDay #1in4 @Iam_1in4 pic.twitter.com/xOxh0HBJNK

— WorldMentalHealthDay (@WMHDay) October 9, 2018

This year there is a special focus on young people and mental health in a changing world. YourMentalHealth.ie describe how “young adults are at the age when serious mental illnesses can occur and yet they are taught little to nothing about mental health. Constantly battling the effects of human rights violations, wars and violence in the home, schools and businesses. Young people are spending most of their day on the internet – experiencing cyber crimes, cyber bullying, and playing violent video games.”

The World Health Organisation detailed that “half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated.”

To mark World Mental Health Day, people are encouraged to upload a photo to social media either wearing a green ribbon, drawing a green ribbon on their face, hand, arm for a selfie, or take a picture of something green.

Be a hero on #WorldMentalHealthDay by doing one of the following: Upload a photo wearing a green ribbon, draw a ribbon on your face, hand, arm for a selfie and upload, or take a picture of something green for social media #NotAllHeroesWearCapes pic.twitter.com/lsIPcBBazW

— WorldMentalHealthDay (@WMHDay) October 8, 2018

For LGBT+ people in particular, mental health struggles can be a serious issue. In a recent survey commissioned by Business in the Community with HR firm Mercer, called Mental Health at Work 2018: Seizing the Momentum, it was discovered that 72 per cent of LGBT+ people have experienced poor mental health due to workplace problems.

Of those surveyed, 26 per cent felt they had to hide their sexual orientation, with one in ten being encouraged to do so by workmates, while seven per cent were attacked by customers or colleagues.

https://twitter.com/matthaig1/status/1049930992230821888

The recommended solution for those struggling either long term or short term with their mental health is to speak out with a lack of shame about how they are feeling and not to be afraid to ask for help.

If you, or someone you know, are in crisis, supports are available from Yourmentalhealth. Samaritans are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope. For confidential, non-judgemental support anytime; call 116 123