World Mental Health Day 2023

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th each year, serves as a global platform to raise awareness and promote mental health education, advocacy, and support. In 2023, the theme for this important day is that “Mental health is a universal human right.” As we navigate a world continually evolving and adapting to new challenges, the significance of mental health has never been more evident.

Mental health is a fundamental component of overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing our ability to cope with stress, relate to others, and make choices. Recognizing the importance of mental health is not just a matter of personal well-being; it is also a societal concern. Mental health issues impact individuals, families, workplaces, and communities, leading to consequences that extend far beyond the individual.

World Mental Health Day 2023 reminds us of the importance of nurturing our minds for a brighter future. It calls for collective action to break the stigma, raise awareness, and ensure that mental health services are accessible to all. By prioritizing mental health as a human right, we can create a more compassionate and resilient world where individuals can thrive and face life’s challenges with strength and hope. Let us stand together in support of mental health and work towards a brighter, more mentally healthy future for all.

Some Recent Laws Enacted Related to Mental Health
Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 P.L. 116-171, Enacted 10/17/2020, This public law makes updates related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transition assistance, mental health care, care for women veterans, and telehealth care.

National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 P.L. 116-172, Enacted 10/17/2020, This public law requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020, P.L. 116-214, Enacted 12/5/2020, This public law implements programs, policies, and reports related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transition assistance, suicide care, mental health education and treatment, health care, and women veteran care.

Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act of 2020, P.L. 116-281, Enacted 12/31/2020, This public law authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants for states, Native American tribes, local governments, and community-based nonprofit organizations to provide clinical services for people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders who need mental health services upon release from a correctional facility.

Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act, P.L. 116-339, Enacted 1/13/2021, This public law directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants to institutions of higher education (or their consortia) to support multidisciplinary, fundamental research with potential relevance to suicide, including potential relevance to prevention and treatment.

Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, P.L. 117-328, Enacted 12/29/2022, This public law comprehensively expands access to mental health services, increases funding for mental health research and treatment, and promotes community-based mental health programs. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies to reduce the burdens of mental illness.

Search GovInfo for hearings, and statements in the Congressional Record related to mental health issues.

Additional Resources
World Mental Health Global Awareness Campaign
MentalHealth.gov "Let's Talk About It" (HHS NIMH)
Caring for Your Mental Health (NIH)
Mental Health (CDC)
Emotional Well-Being (CDC)
Youth Topics on Mental Health (youth.gov)