New Delhi: “The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide said Dr Leila Mostofi Phd. [HCMC] SRHR Expert International Midwifery Educator from Iran at the webinar to initiate the program.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. And services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted said Sandeep Marwah while inaugurating the session on World Mental Health Day.
“Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health. Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. And now, billions of people around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a further impact on people’s mental health,” added Sandeep Marwah.
Dr Niloufar Farivar Phd Sports Medicine & RMI Iran, Dr Mary K Keller MPA Phd & Tedex Speaker from USA, Irene Chain Kollinowski RMI from News Zealand and Dr Nan E Nelson Psychiatrist from USA also participated in the webinar and gave wonderful suggestions towards the subject. The event was supported by WPDRF- World Peace Development and Research Foundation.