The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, is “Dignity in mental health”.
This year, the World Health Organisation will be raising awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health conditions can continue to live with dignity, through human rights oriented policy and law, training of health professionals, respect for informed consent to treatment, inclusion in decision–making processes, and public information campaigns.
What is dignity?
Dignity refers to an individual’s inherent value and worth and is strongly linked to respect, recognition, self–worth and the possibility to make choices. Being able to live a life with dignity stems from the respect of basic human rights including:
– Freedom from violence and abuse;
– Freedom from discrimination;
– Autonomy and self–determination;
– Inclusion in community life; and
– Participation in policy–making
Learn more about WMHD here.
You can access culturally specific advice and support through Irish organisations such as:
Or contact a local Irish service near you such as
Irish Community Care Manchester
Irish Community Care Merseyside
Lewisham Irish Community Care Centre